Leaving a stable nursing job to jump into the unknown world of medical device sales isn’t exactly what most people would call “safe.” But for Charles Studer, the decision was less about safety—and more about finally feeling fulfilled.

Now, at just 25 years old, he’s working for one of the largest medical device companies in the world, doing work he loves, making an impact, and living closer to family.

Here’s how he made the leap—and what you can learn from his story if you’re a nurse thinking about doing the same.

Who Is Charles Studer?

Charles grew up in a small town in California, raised by a chiropractor father and a nurse mother. Healthcare ran in the family, and early on, Charles knew he wanted to help others.

That passion led him into nursing. He started his education at Cal State East Bay, then earned his nursing degree from Chamberlain University after a brief detour from his original school plans. Eventually, he became a practicing nurse and started exploring what else was out there.

Even while he was still in nursing school, Charles had curiosity about medical device sales. He’d interacted with clinical specialists and seen the other side of healthcare—the side that lived outside the four walls of a hospital.

What Motivated Him to Make the Change to Medical Device Sales

Charles’ story echoes something we hear from many nurses and healthcare professionals:

“I didn’t feel fulfilled… I wanted more.”

He didn’t hate nursing. But he didn’t want to be stuck doing the same thing every day. He wanted freedom, personal growth, and the ability to use his clinical background in a new way.

He also had an entrepreneurial side, inspired by his dad, who not only ran a chiropractic business but opened a jiu-jitsu gym during the pandemic. That spirit made Charles start thinking outside the traditional “go back to school and get a higher-paying job” path.

“I didn’t feel called to go back to school, take on more debt, and just ‘buy’ another job.”

Medical device sales offered everything he was looking for: challenge, freedom, career growth, and the ability to continue helping people.

What Made Him Want to Stay in the State He Was Hired For

One of Charles’ biggest goals was getting back to California—closer to his roots, and more importantly, his family.

He had just become an uncle and had only seen his nephew twice while working out of state. For him, being near family wasn’t a luxury—it was a priority.

“God, family, job, hobbies—that’s how I rank things. And I wanted to live by that.”

That goal became part of his career plan. He made it clear during his job search that location mattered—and he made it happen.

His story is a reminder: You don’t always have to move for the job. It’s about knowing what you want and having a strategy to get there.

What Made Him Take the Leap to Actually Leave Nursing

Like most nurses, Charles had some hesitation. It’s not easy walking away from something you’ve invested years (and money) into.

But after a particularly exhausting stretch of three long shifts, he stumbled on a YouTube video about breaking into medical device sales. Something clicked.

“I just knew this was the right thing for me. Something inside of me said, ‘Go for it.’”

He enrolled in the program at New to Medical Device Sales, committed to the process, and never looked back.

Choosing Clinical Specialist Instead of Associate Sales Rep

When it came time to pick a path, Charles went the Clinical Specialist route—and for good reason.

With a background in nursing, he still wanted that patient-facing experience. He didn’t want to give that up completely. The Clinical Specialist role gave him the perfect balance: technical knowledge, patient interaction, and the excitement of the medical sales world.

“You get the best of both worlds. You’re still helping patients, but now you’re growing professionally and financially too.”

Plus, this role typically comes with fewer sales quotas and more focus on product support and clinical expertise—an ideal fit for someone with Charles’ skills and personality.

Advice to a Nurse Interested in Medical Device Sales

Charles’ advice is simple but powerful:

“Find a mentor, someone who’s done it before and knows the path.”

He credits his success to joining a program that gave him structure, direction, and real coaching from people who had actually been in his shoes. That mentorship helped him transition smoothly and confidently into a completely new industry.

So, if you’re a nurse feeling stuck, underappreciated, or just curious about what else is out there, Charles says:

• You’re not throwing your degree away—you’re building on it.
  
  
• You don’t have to stay where you are, physically or professionally.
  
  
• You can absolutely do this—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Final Thoughts

Charles didn’t throw his nursing career away, he built on it.

If you’re a healthcare professional wanting more, know this:
You’re not starting over, you’re leveling up.

Trust yourself. Get support. Take the leap.
It could change everything.

Want More Details?

For the full story and more insights, watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Don't miss out on valuable lessons and experiences!

Ready to break into Medical Device Sales? 

If you’re serious about breaking into Medical Device Sales, our program is designed to help you break into the industry where our average person is breaking into Medical Device Sales in just 8.5 weeks at $105,502.

Click here to learn more and kickstart your journey to success.

‍

All the best,

Jacob McLaughlin