The ACMA has an important mission BCMAS can help improve the quality of pharmaceutical As for ACMA, the content of modules and associated tools, access to online chat, and opportunity to get board certified, are well worth the cost. The ACMA provides training and certification programs for the pharmaceutical & healthcare industries. Thank you . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Copyright 2022 - BDJobsToday.org. Specially during pandemic times MSL community has opportunity of BCMAS certifications to broaden the knowledge base. The exam has a 3 hour time limit. 1. Content is always updated to reflect new business practices, technologies, market challenges and regulatory changes. They want to exhibit their dedication to the task with something tangible. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. While the exam consists of 140 multiple-choice questions, of these, 125 questions will be used to calculate your test score. The truth is, I had a pretty cushy academic experience. In comparison the BCMAS credential is already being used by professionals from around the world because its been around for several years and industry leaders recognize BCMAS. All Rights Reserved. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The BCMAS certification has been around since 2015 and the credential is very well recognized and widely used. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. BCMAS is the first and only accredited program, as well as the longest standing MSL/Medical Affairs Certification program in the industry. Achieving the highly respected Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) Accreditation from ACMA provides this proof. The BCMAS program is the most comprehensive educational program for medical affairs professionals and unlike other training programs that may be available; it is the only one that is accredited. Growing need for medical affairs certification. ProctorU is utilized by both organizations for proctoring of the exam and both are completed under timed conditions following an identity verification process. They constantly blast promotions about this certification and how important it will be without much substantiation. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. How far have you gotten? You can do this by either An important caveat is that, unlike the BCMAS program, with MSL-BC the additional cost to retake the exam can be as high as $400. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Consists of 140 multiple-choice questions. Current medical affairs professionals (this includes: medical science liaisons, medical directors, VP Medical Affairs, Medical Information Specialists, Pharmacovigilance, HEOR professionals, etc.). you didnt think were possible.. I assume many are in process of deciding which certification route to take. Perfect time to get board certified. The MSL Society (MSLs) and the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) both offer a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Board Certification. is grabbing the attention of politicians and policymakers. medical affairs and MSL colleagues to enroll in BCMAS, Board Certification Medical Affairs (BCMAS), The Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Industry Compliance, Prior Authorization Certified Specialist Program (PACS), Listen to the ACMA podcast on Pharmacy Podcast, Clinical Trial Design & Evidence Based Medicine, Comparative View of the Mechanism of Action of Drugs for every organ system, Presentation & Communications Strategies for MSLs, Professional Ethics Related to Interactions with HCPs, Anatomical & Physiological Effects of Drugs, Compliance for pharma, device & diagnostics, Effective Advisory Boards for Medical Affairs. Such a great foundation for someone new to pharma. It's a role which has a tremendous impact on the industry and overall healthcare ecosystem. Having pre-test questions right before your actual exam feels a bit odd. I am also not associated with any organization, but upon doing my research Dyer's organization seems a bit screechy to me. I'll be curious to read this carefully when I have a moment. doctorate degree (Ph.D., PharmD., M.D.). I had the opportunity to Pharmacology lecturer for University of the Philippines, and a clinician with expertise on Hypertension and primary care, Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist | Matuto pa tungkol sa karanasan sa trabaho, edukasyon, mga koneksyon, at higit pa ni Raymond Oliva, MD, FPCP, BCMAS sa pamamagitan ng pagpunta sa kanyang profile sa LinkedIn But how can one get all this info? Any insight will be greatly appreciated. and be BCMAS.. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist and transition from retail pharmacy to the pharmaceutical industry. It's always a challenge to transition from academia to industry. Now in virtual format. Having a professional certification creates a uniform standard of competency and excellence for industry professionals who are responsible for providing critical information to doctors which impacts patient lives. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. CEO, A2A Pharmaceuticals, "BCMAS Review was excellent. The BCMAS certification has been around since 2015 and the credential is very well recognized and widely used. This level of support is something MSLs engaged in e-learning will really appreciate and value. Have completed at least a bachelors degree and have 2 years relevant professional experience (ie., pharmaceutical industry experience, clinical and/or research experience). I am recommending it for my colleagues as well. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) . *A note from the author: I penned these articles while waiting for my exam results from BCMAS. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. this course will give you a very good perspective about what you are getting into. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. MSLs need to keep their ears to the ground and listening to Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and their needs, which can drive clinical development strategies. Records indicate that UpJohn Pharmaceuticals was the first company to coin the term MSL in 1967. The ACMA is the only organization committed to the medical science liaison profession, which has been featured in mainstream media such as ABC News, Forbes and the Boston Herald. Hold an MD, PharmD, PhD, DO, MBBS, DNP, NP, PA, BPharm, PsyD, or other relevant degree from an accredited college, university or institution. Both your newly hired and experienced MSLs will benefit from this training with topics that include: Help your MSL team understand the changing landscape when working with different internal and external stakeholders. I just began looking into this and realize the potential of. Grantors always consider if the PI has the experience and resources to get the job done. For more information and recent students testimonials, click here. This level of support is something MSLs engaged in e-learning will really appreciate and value. The MSL-BC contains only an exam and has no preparatory content or material . This enables MSLs to ask questions any time 7 days a week. An important caveat is that, unlike the BCMAS program, with MSL-BC the additional cost to retake the exam can be as high as $400. The lowest rating is NEMA 1 . Everything including the exam fee is ~$1000. BCMAS is indeed a certification relevant & valuable to all involved in Medical Affairs beyond the MSL community. More and more medical affairs professionals sign up to undergo the certification process each month. Achieving the BCMAS demonstrates the highest standards of knowledge and excellence in the Medical Affairs profession. This two part series endeavors to compare both certifications equipping professionals to make that decision for themselves. Absolutely agree Eric! Thanks, I appreciate the up-to-date info! It has left me, a medical science liaison of less than two years, feeling more confident and equipped. Accreditation Council for Medical AffairsStandard of Excellence #BCMAS medicalaffairsspecialist. The ACMA is building further awareness of the important contributions that medical science liaisons make in advancing the science which ultimately improves the quality of life of patients. In 2015, the ACMA developed the first board certification for medical affairs professionals and medical science liaisons known as the Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) program, and it is now considered the industry standard in the pharmaceutical industry. They also give you 20 modules to prepare you. #BCMAS #PACS #PRC Board Certifications in Life SciencesACMA in the Newsmedicalaffairsspecialist. With this credential, your organization substantiates its commitment to quality care and improved patient outcomes. Of these, 125 questions will be used to calculate your test score. Staff, Rahm Emanuel, in response to the global financial crisis of 2007/2008. MSLs are focused on building relationships with key experts The exam has a 3 hour time limit. Basically, its a way to practice before the real test. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. life sciences & healthcare industries. *If you do not have a terminal degree (i. e. PhD, etc. 36, Sector 20, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, India - 400 708, Building of Chocoblooms shop,Mezan floor, Office 03United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Al-Nahyan. Additionally, they also have a dedicated team of advisors to help MSLs every step of the way. Once hired by a pharmaceutical company, they will be trained on (1) compliance rules and regulations related to interactions with HCPs and other important regulatory and compliance matters pertinent to the pharmaceutical industry to comply with PhRMA guidelines and (2) disease state and product(s) information related to the companys pipeline and currently marketed product(s). Theyre well known for conducting conferences and meetings for MSLs. Anecdotally, BCMAS graduates have noticed more momentum in their recruiting activities. accredited college, university or institution. This is very interesting to me. These cookies do not store any personal information. One thing that I really liked about the BCMAS program is that it included a question bank which helps prepare its learners for the exam. Bachelors Degree or higher from a regionally or nationally accredited educational institution (a copy of the candidates highest degree or transcript must be provided at the time of registration). MSL Society is a smaller non-profit organization, so they dont have the bandwidth to provide as much US & global support as the ACMA. Additionally, they also have a dedicated team of advisors to help MSLs every step of the way. Meet Kerry Flecknoe, an experienced Medical Science Liaison (MSL), and recent BCMAS graduate who shares her journey towards becoming Board Certified in Medical Affairs. Press J to jump to the feed. Awesome article! Others seek to differentiate themselves from their peers. What do the study materials cost? Regardless of where you are in your MSL career, obtaining an MSL certification can help advance your MSL career and distinguish you among other MSL candidates when applying for a new MSL job or getting that promotion from MSL to MSL Manager or MSL Director. Toll Free: +1 (855) 255-7137, Rio de Janieiro St 212, Suite 151 Sao Paulo, SP 01240-010 Brasil, 202, Jai Omkar, Plot No. Never allow a serious crisis go to waste. So said former Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of Hi. medical affairs professionals. I was looking for avenues where I can learn more and grow in Medical Affairs. 7+ Year Member. Those who pass the certification exams will be qualified to solve basic issues in networking, operating systems, security and mobile devices. But the trend has unmistakably been a steady increase in moving the BCMAS toward the industry standard. And this has proven to be valuable to many who are now board certified thanks to the ACMA. More than ever, confidence in objective, science-based data about therapeutics, such as the COVID-19 vaccine and other health care services, is a shared imperative across the pharmaceutical industry, health care communities, and the American public. I spoke to one of their members on their website chat and he was down to earth, he showed me the benefits of the program along with some benefits you attain after completing the program. I wanted to work in medical affairs as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in the pharmaceutical With a curriculum that includes best practices across the organization, the ACMAs aim is to reinforce an integrated, cross-functional approach to medical affairs that makes medical affairs to be viewed as a true partner by other departments. If youre looking to only be an MSL, MSL-BC might be more suitable. These days, landing an MSL role isnt easy. The certification is a relatively new one, having launched in 2021. Part 2 of this short series will dive deep into the specifics of each of the certifications, including detailed descriptions of both programs, cost of the certification and exam fees and who is eligible to sit for each exam (spoiler alert: it is not the same group of test takers). Nonquantifiables can be extremely important in business terms, but as hinted in the previous section, senior managers tend to focus on the money; often they are less interested in the nonquantifiables. **application fee must be paid with a credit card or PayPal in US Dollars. What constitutes a board certification designation? One (1) year of cumulative experience working full-time as a Medical Science Liaison (or equivalent title) or leading a Medical Science Liaison team. The National Electrical Manufacturing Association, or NEMA, enclosure standards denote where whole-house surge protectors can be installed. Investing in a board certification at this age of growth is definitely time well spent. These officials will discuss the importance of establishing certification and credentialing standards for medical affairs and medical science liaison professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. The ACMA has been featured in mainstream media such as Fox News, Forbes, Al Jazeera, ABC News, etc. This number is inclusive regardless of the name du jour from an individual company to include: Regional Scientific Director, Clinical Liaison, Thought Leader Liaison, Field Medical Director etc. They do have a chat function but Ive noticed oftentimes its not available every day and at off hours which makes it tough to get answers to important questions. This credential demonstrates that you have mastered the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to work in the life sciences industry. BCMAS Certification Associated preparation for each exam varies greatly. The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist or BCMAS is a credential that goes right up there next to your name after MD, DO, PhD or PharmD. Considering Medical Science Liaison Training Certification. How one pharma vet helped create the first industry-wide training standards for aspiring Thats an important differentiator for BCMAS. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is meant to establish uniform standards for a profession that we advocate for (namely MSLs/med affairs professionals). It also sets the stage for continual professional development through values centered on lifelong . Toll Free: +1 (855) 255-7137, Rio de Janieiro St 212, Suite 151 Sao Paulo, SP 01240-010 Brasil, 202, Jai Omkar, Plot No. However, after careful investigation it appears the BCMAS is the only accredited board certification while MSL-BC does not appear to be accredited though nearly 2 dozen respected leaders in medical affairs were apart of the credentialing examination collaboration process (if you are attached to the organization and have more complete information please dont hesitate to reach out for a correction as this specific point was hard to ascertain). BCMAS offers you more than just the certification exam by including in-depth learning modules, a practice question bank, case studies, and more. With the growing number of professionals and one of the most varied entry experience requisites of any career field all funneling into a single job description it was certain that the time would come that a board certification would be needed. Board Certification Medical Affairs (BCMAS), The Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Industry Compliance, Prior Authorization Certified Specialist Program (PACS), The ACMA was invited to Congress. from Asia who were Board Certified, so I decided to complete the program. Need of the hour. However, that is no longer debatable as two companies have found a way to make this board certification possible, testing examinees on everything but the science. Topics include: Maximize your MSL teams emotional intelligence and how to use it to build relationships. Hello, can you please tell me if you took the certification and did it help you? And going from a medical Medical Director of Astellas Pharma Philippines. What are your thoughts/experiences with BCMAS? ACMA does not charge any additional fees for retaking the exam if you fail which is nice. some would be new. * Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist Physician & Licensed Medical Esthetician with extensive network of KOLs in aesthetics, dermatology, plastic surgery, facial plastics ent, oculoplastics . As I've stated before, I have read Dyer's book and found it helpful 3 years ago when breaking in. BCMAS is a Board Certification accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training /American National Standards Institute (IACET/ANSI). Medical affairs is the division within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or orgAccreditation Council for Medical AffairsBe in the Know with ACMAs in the news and newsworthy shares. ACMA Podcast is focused on establishing benchmarks of excellence in training for the It is a credential that resonates because of its association with board certified physicians. Format- 100% Online, Self-Paced, Audio Time Needed to Complete - 40 hours Exam Required- Yes (online) The other challenge is if you have a higher chance of failing; you are then paying twice for the exam which eventually adds up and make it very similar in pricing to BCMAS (which allows 4 exam retakes in the initial cost). Myth: Getting the BCMAS Certification was definitely a major step in my career improve the quality of pharmaceutical Notwithstanding and beyond the scope of this review but for completeness, both the MSLS and ACMA are worthy non-profit organizations with outstanding missions, prestigious boards of governors and either (or both) is a great choice for a professional membership regardless of which board certification you choose. Medical Science Liaison, Neurology Western Canada. I believe it in. Wow, those are pretty serious allegations to put out there. The ACMA provides training and certification programs for the pharmaceutical & healthcare industries. Theyre also accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education & Training/American National Standards Institute (IACET/ANSI) and they even offer CME/CE to US Licensed Physicians and Pharmacists who decide to complete the modules for the BCMAS program. The BCMAS content was developed by over 30 subject matter experts from academia, Google Cloud - Cloud Digital Leader. The study materials are all provided. However, I do notice quite a few MSLs with that certification. This certificate offers increased industry knowledge and adds a nice certification to your resume. ACMA does not charge any additional fees for retaking the exam if you fail which is nice. Organization behind the MSL Certification: How well prepared will I be for the exam. We connect MSLs to the global medical affairs community, and give them the tools and resources they need to advance in their medical science liaison career paths. Curious to know if the BCMAS is worth pursuing? The biggest standout feature is the exam structure. The MSL-BC contains only an exam and has no preparatory content or material to help individuals prepare. Highlights the ongoing positive growth and evolution of the industry and how medical affairs contributes importantly to this. Due to the newness of the certification, there are very few people that have the MSL-BC credential, therefore, it is not well recognized yet. These cookies do not store any personal information. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The BCMAS certification is the most comprehensive Medical Affairs professional development and training program in the world. Having pre-test questions right before your actual exam feels a bit odd. They also give you 20 modules to prepare you. Many of the comments here are false and misleading. The BCMAS program will expand your knowledge and advance your medical science liaison career. Naturally certain aspects may be less applicable to the unique role of a professional or a company. I look forward to your thoughts if you have a chance to read it as well. and our Hold an MD, PharmD, PhD, DO, MBBS, DNP, NP, PA, BPharm, PsyD, or other relevant degree from an The MSL-BC program is a very new certification (released in February 2020). ACMA works with experts around the world to develop country- and region-specific content within the BCMAS curriculum using advanced geo-redirect technology features. Thats an important differentiator for BCMAS. Responsibility disclaimer and privacy policy | Site Map. The BCMAS program is the most comprehensive educational program for medical affairs professionals and unlike other training programs that may be available; it is the only one that is accredited. As more medical affairs executives undergo the certification program, theyre seeing the value in it and recommending it to their peers. The CompTIA A+ certification requires two exams. I applied to a lot of industry positions in the past and never got an interview.