Medical Science Liaison, Neurology Western Canada. The Medical Science Liaison Society (MSLS) is an organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL profession. The other nice feature is that its a broadly used certification for everyone in medical affairs (including MSLs). Cookie Notice You can do this by either You are using an out of date browser. The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) Program - $1999.99 Medical Terminology & Abbreviations - $99.99 Basic Principles in Pharmacology - $99.99 + + Buy all together : $ 2199.97 The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) Program - $1999.99 Medical Terminology & Abbreviations - $99.99 700 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 204 Oradell, New Jersey 07649 USA Theyre well known for conducting conferences and meetings for MSLs. As the medical science liaison role continues to grow and evolve, the ACMA remains at the forefront for providing resources to help MSLs increase knowledge. There are a number of ways you can achieve the same goals (learning what each dept does, scouting opps, boosting credentials, getting the interview) without spending nearly as much money and that are far more useful. Unfortunately, the MSL Society doesnt have any preparatory content to help learners prepare for the MSL-BC exam. They feel that having the board certification attached to their names gives them a leg up in both hiring and career development. 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. In its nearly four years, the ACMA has laid many in-roads into the industry and continues to do so. This credential demonstrates that you have mastered the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to work in the life sciences industry. an accreditor of medical affairs professionals and pharmaceutical sales representatives Dr. Hughes achieved the Board-Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) certification from ACMA in May of 2021 and believes that it will open new doors and provide her with more in-depth industry training that is needed to excel in the medical affairs career path. While some MSLs view MSLS as a valuable resource, it's worth noting that they are not accredited by any outside body. CEO, A2A Pharmaceuticals, "BCMAS Review was excellent. The MSL-BC allows up to 4 hours for the 140-question multiple choice exam (of which 125 count toward your mark). What Happened to Expanded Access to New Medicines. 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. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) . MSLs have advanced scientific training and academic credentials generally consisting of a Therefore, the chances of failing the exam are higher. Being board certified in any healthcare related career has proven to be impactful. And often, medical affairs executives get so engrossed in their day to day activities that its challenging to gain a deep understanding of how other departments and functions operate, let alone train another colleague on these functions. 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. I hope this article was useful to help you choose which MSL certification is right for you. Please select your appropriate region below to learn more about becoming certified today! You are given 4 attempts to pass the BCMAS. But comprehensive, accredited, educational programs for medical affairs professionals are few and far between. Growing need for medical affairs certification. We are going to break down the pros and cons of each. BCMAS Certification Associated preparation for each exam varies greatly. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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). ACMA does not charge any additional fees for retaking the exam if you fail which is nice. And those with pharmacy doctorates sometimes feel that while a PharmD credential shows off ones scientific research chops, its not specific enough to medical affairs to demonstrate the industry knowledge necessary or the ability to excel within a pharmaceutical or medical device company. Beyond internal training within their companies, medical affairs executives simply dont have structured options for learning how the different functions within the life science industry interact with each other. Copyright 2022 - BDJobsToday.org. MSL Society is a smaller non-profit organization, so they dont have the bandwidth to provide as much US & global support as the ACMA. The BCMAS program is packed with information about each role within medical affairs, all while 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. One thing that really stood out was that these industry professionals include Vice Presidents of Medical Affairs, Chief Medical Officers, Medical Science Liaisons and other industry professionals. The ACMA offers customized training and professional development for MSL teams. Wow, those are pretty serious allegations to put out there. Myth: I had the opportunity to 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. Associate Global Medical Director, Novo Nordisk. That positive relationship can now be yours in your pharmaceutical medical affairs career. Industry professionals provide a review of the BCMAS program. 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. No existing program, to my knowledge, covers the spectrum of Medical Affairs and related topics like ACMAs 20 learning modules. This button displays the currently selected search type. But the trend has unmistakably been a steady increase in moving the BCMAS toward the industry standard. Board Certification Medical Affairs (BCMAS), The Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Industry Compliance, Prior Authorization Certified Specialist Program (PACS), The ACMA was invited to Congress. Additionally, they also have a dedicated team of advisors to help MSLs every step of the way. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. ", Lubna El-Najjar Achieving the BCMAS demonstrates the highest standards of knowledge and excellence in the Medical Affairs profession. 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. Privacy Policy. Tel: +1 (201) 688-2230 One thing that really stood out was that these industry professionals include Vice Presidents of Medical Affairs, Chief Medical Officers, Medical Science Liaisons and other industry professionals. medical affairs professionals. And while some Americans are waiting in line to get their COVID-19 vaccine, others are cautious due to doubts about the rapid vaccine development process and questions that have plagued the FDA about whether clinical data from pharmaceutical companies are being reviewed thoroughly. Expanded Access 4.0 Registration Now Open! Expanded Access to Advanced Cell Therapies. The BCMAS program will expand your knowledge and advance your medical science liaison career. Director, Head of Medical Affairs, Astellas. Need of the hour. BPharm, MPH, MBA, BCMAS It features data and insights from policymakers, industry and academic leaders, and patient advocates working to ensure equity, trust, and excellence in Medical Affairs professional engagements. The CompTIA A+ certification requires two exams. 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. 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. The study materials are all provided. Are there any online resources that cover all these topics? This demonstrates the prestigious connotation associated with the BCMAS mark. As I've stated before, I have read Dyer's book and found it helpful 3 years ago when breaking in. Staff, Rahm Emanuel, in response to the global financial crisis of 2007/2008. My comment part 1: The topic of standardization in Medical Affairs is timely and important. This is very interesting to me. Specially during pandemic times MSL community has opportunity of BCMAS certifications to broaden the knowledge base. so what makes BCMAS so special that you think it's worth thousands of dollars when there are high quality comprehensive free online courses from places like NIH lol? By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. But how do you choose the right MSL Certification for you? Just perform a quick search for BCMAS on LinkedIn and the results will show the numerous industry professionals using the BCMAS credential in their titles. The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist Program was developed by industry experts, clinicians, researchers, and online learning specialists. Thanks for sharing Jill! *If you do not have a terminal degree (i. e. PhD, etc. The ACMA has Live 24/7 Chat support feature. A quick search of Linked In will show a splattering of the newly developed MSL-BC professionals while a similar inquiry will find a larger number of those with the BCMAS credential many of whom are in more leadership medical affairs positions (the larger number no doubt due to the fact that BCMAS is for all of MA not specifically MSLs and has been around for an extended period of time comparatively). But how do you choose the right MSL Certification for you? I strongly encourage all Every 5 years you are required to maintain your certification. accredited college, university or institution. The BCMAS program connects you to the clinical knowledge real-world experience, and leadership skills needed to be successful within the pharmaceutical industry's clinical medical affairs / MSL space. I am stuck at home, jobless because of fucking covid.. so though I expand my career. Of these, 125 questions will be used to calculate your test score. This article is meant to help you make that decision. If you have any questions , please direct them to our staff directly who would be happy to help you , rather than making assumptions about what we do on an anonymous forum. Unfortunately, I cannot ensure that there are not shill accounts in this community. Press J to jump to the feed. MSL-BC is a professional standard developed only for MSLs and MSL managers. Those professionals working within clinical development, research & development and are transitioning to a medical affairs role. However, you never know where your career will take you down the road and if you think that one day you might want to expand from an MSL to a medical director, medical affairs vice president, medical information or other areas in pharma, then having BCMAS is the way to go. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Topics include: As the U.S. grapples with the deadly opioid epidemic and public outrage over drug costs, I literally knew nothing about how to be an MSL when you got me. This two-part article provides a good summary on the ACMA and MSLS programs. I have been authorized to respond as ACMA. MSL-BC is a professional standard developed only for MSLs and MSL managers. Developed by industry experts and considered the industry standard by most for MSL certification. Just perform a quick search for BCMAS on LinkedIn and the results will show the numerous industry professionals using the BCMAS credential in their titles. You do not need prior industry experience but you do need to have a pharmd/phd/md/do etc. Never allow a serious crisis go to waste. So said former Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of With BCMAS certification, you demonstrate that you've mastered the industry standard of knowledge through intensive study, self-assessment, and evaluation. Hi. If you are planning to join Medical Affairs, orgAccreditation Council for Medical AffairsBe in the Know with ACMAs in the news and newsworthy shares. #msl #boardcertification #bcmas #mslbc #medicalaffairs #msls #acma. If this blows up in the next few years, consider us striking gold to get this certification first. The exam has a 3 hour time limit. It has left me, a medical science liaison of less than two years, feeling more confident and equipped. Additionally, they also have a dedicated team of advisors to help MSLs every step of the way. With questions looming about whether or not AstraZeneca cherry-picked its COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial data, trust and transparency from pharmaceutical companies about the integrity of their science is front and center. I have nothing against the guy but I don't trust his company. The ACMA provides training and certification programs for the pharmaceutical & healthcare industries. ), Financing Option through PayPal Credit (In partnership with PayPal, the ACMA offers the option for up to one year of financing for professional development and obtain your new MSL certification). Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) Organization behind the MSL Certification: The ACMA is a globally accredited & recognized organization, they have offices in the U.S., India, Europe, South America and the UAE. At this time, its difficult to tell how recognized the MSL-BC mark will become in the future and whether it will stand the test of time. ), Financing Option through PayPal Credit (In partnership with PayPal, the ACMA offers the option for up to one year of financing for professional development and obtain your new MSL certification). If youre looking to only be an MSL, MSL-BC might be more suitable. A quick search on LinkedIn shows just how widely used the credential is among pharmaceutical industry professionals. MSL-BC requires this be accomplished every 3 years while BCMAS has an every 5 year requirement. The MSL-BC program is a very new certification (released in February 2020). Yeah, I'm sure they'll legitimately take your money and give you some extra letters after your name. The biggest standout feature is the exam structure. The ACMA welcomes all points of view but we believe it's important to separate fact from fiction. 1. Content is always updated to reflect new business practices, technologies, market challenges and regulatory changes. Recertification Option 1 : Completing twenty (20) hours of continuing education modules provided by the ACMA and successful quiz completion of each module. The MSL-BC allows up to 4 hours for the 140-question multiple choice exam (of which 125 count toward your mark). Awesome article! While some MSLs view MSLS as a valuable resource, its worth noting that they are not accredited by any outside body. One (1) year of cumulative experience working full-time as a Medical Science Liaison (or equivalent title) or leading a Medical Science Liaison team. 7+ Year Member. And theres certainly no programs offering board certification. The briefing will address the important and growing role pharmaceutical medical affairs and medical science liaison professionals play in educating the medical community and public on new health care advancements and the need for certification to standardize practices across the industry for greater transparency and accountability. All Right Reserved. Hello, can you please tell me if you took the certification and did it help you? The exam has a 3 hour time limit. ACMA seems a-bit move valid and trustworthy in my opinion. But high performers can see their salaries climb above $171,000. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Consists of 140 multiple-choice questions. Achieving the highly respected Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) Accreditation from ACMA provides this proof. 10. A business opportunity with a 50/50 chance of succeeding. I'm leaning towards the former. This enables MSLs to ask questions any time 7 days a week. Several Advisory board meetings held with Medical Affairs leaders and subject matter experts. What are your thoughts/experiences with BCMAS? For more information and recent students testimonials, click here. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 1. I'll be curious to read this carefully when I have a moment. After some controversy, They want to exhibit their dedication to the task with something tangible. Considering Medical Science Liaison Training Certification. This level of support is something MSLs engaged in e-learning will really appreciate and value. Your credential enables career advancement and improves MSL and medical affairs professionals' overall contribution to the lives of patients whom their valued expertise ultimately impacts. Yes, we have more time on our hands right now! Medical Affairs, talks about the organizations certification process. And going from a medical I got the weekly newsletters from ACMA and got curious. Would anyone that has completed the program recommended it? We have answered the questions, What is an MSL? and talked quite a bit about Medical Liaison Training. Now that we know what a medical liaison is and the different certification programs available for MSLs, you can make a more informed decision on what route is best for you. doctorate degree (Ph.D., PharmD., M.D.). A BCMAS certification is recognized around the world. While the BCMAS program offers some great features, the 20 modules the ACMA includes to help MSLs prepare for the exam are definitely a great standout feature. By looking at the job postings it seems this certification is meaningless. A yearly membership to ACMA is approximately 2/3 the cost of MSLS ($200 vs. $290), but the outward appearance is that MSLS is a more active society and the membership includes the newly published digital MSL Journal. Physicians, pharmacists, and PhD professionals wishing to transition into the pharmaceutical industry. I have a few questions if you don't mind answering. MSL launch readiness is an important skill and many medical affairs teams intently focus on the activities that will be most important when preparing for a products launch. Medical science liaisons (MSLs), MSL manager/directors. CompTIA A+. Online board certification program meant for medical science liaisons (MSL), medical directors, medical affairs professionals, medical/drug information, HEOR, pharmacovigilance, etc.. Includes 20 preparatory modules, case studies, and practice questions to help you best prepare for the board exam. There are BCMAS programs for Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Canada, and South America where material is customized based on regional differences in the regulatory & compliance landscape (For example, FDA vs. EMA vs. Health Canada) 5. Is this certification respected and recognized? Obviously don't take my word, do your own research but just my take on the topic. Some are looking to add to their personal understanding of medical affairs role in the life sciences industry. About 100 questions in total (Multiple choice, case studies and True/False). A risk that I (imho) think might be worth taking. So BCMAS applies to several roles in pharma-not just MSL jobs. I took both exams. Hi I just signed up for the course too. Doing the job well requires diverse set of competencies that develop over time, often with use of industry trainings that focus on individual topics, such as advisory panels or medical communication. There is really only one waythrough feedback. See previous posts: https://www.reddit.com/r/MedicalScienceLiaison/comments/cfurwp/is_a_bcmas_a_good_idea_if_you_have_no_previous/, https://www.reddit.com/r/MedicalScienceLiaison/comments/diiyry/is_the_bcmas_worth_it/, https://www.reddit.com/r/MedicalScienceLiaison/comments/cnlgqp/how_many_of_you_are_board_certified_by_acma_is/. The remaining 15 items serve as pretest questions, and do not affect your final score. Video advice: What is a Medical Science Liaison? BCMAS allows up to 3 hours for their four-section exam which includes multiple choice, true/false, select all that apply and case study formatted questions totaling between 90-100 questions. CompTIA A+ is widely considered one of the go-to certificates for a well-rounded entry-level introduction to IT. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. Thats an important differentiator for BCMAS. New Data From Trials of Evolocumab, Olpasiran Show Promise for Cardiovascular Disease Care, Pharmacy Focus: Public Health Matters - Motivational Interviewing, Avadel Seeks FDA Approval for Sodium Oxybate to Treat Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Independent Rx Forum - Preparing for DIR Fee Changes, COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy Found to Protect Infants Against Infection, Hospital Admission, Study: Remote Dietary Intervention May Reduce Chronic Fatigue for Lymphoma Survivors. Regardless of which team of Medical Affairs one resides in, I believe awareness of the whole discipline can lead to higher levels of contribution. Absolutely agree Eric! A community for all things affiliated with the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) profession. Master cold calling/emailing and networking. ACMA and The Medical Science Liaison Society (MSLS) have different board certification credentials and the question becomes which is the right one for each MSL. In keeping with this year's emphasis on cloud services, this certification enters this list with a promise to earn its qualifiers an average salary of $142,708. As the U.S. grapples with the deadly opioid epidemic and public outrage over drug costs, The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) program is the first accredited certification for medical science liaisons and medical affairs professionals in the world. for the exam. When comparing both certifications directly a stark contrast can be seen. The BCMAS certification has been around since 2015 and the credential is very well recognized and widely used. Joined May 7, 2015 Messages . ACMA works with experts around the world to develop country- and region-specific content within the BCMAS curriculum using advanced geo-redirect technology features. Developed by industry experts and considered the industry standard by most for MSL certification. To be fair, I will gladly prepare and sit for the MSL-BC if the MSLS would like a follow up article after the fact please contact me. MD, MBEE, BCMAS Medical Affairs Manager, Upjohn-Pfizer. I recently completed and passed. Subsequent Examination Attempts (failed exams). by Michael Grahame Moore, William G. Anderson. The remaining 15 items serve as pretest questions, and do not affect your final score. Certain aspects I am not familiar with, such as which program came first or whether the organizations are non profit. MSLs are focused on building relationships with key experts In contrast the MSLS made their program available earlier this year following a reported two-year collaboration process and after passing the MSL professional will be entitled to the credential MSL-BC. 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. Toll Free: +1 (855) 255-7137, Rio de Janieiro St 212, Suite 151 Sao Paulo, SP 01240-010 Brasil, 202, Jai Omkar, Plot No. One way MSL professionals can stand out is by becoming board certified MSL professionals. The ACMA has been featured in mainstream media such as Fox News, Forbes, Al Jazeera, ABC News, etc. More and more medical affairs professionals sign up to undergo the certification process each month. Accreditation Council for Medical AffairsStandard of Excellence #BCMAS medicalaffairsspecialist. The truth is, I had a pretty cushy academic experience. It is also the first board certification for MSLs. ACMA does not charge any additional fees for retaking the exam if you fail which is nice. I saw some colleagues After some controversy, Listen to BCMAS graduates share their stories! Medical Affairs, talks about the organizations certification process. We are an accredited organization and take what we do very seriously as it impacts careers, company policies, etc.. You can email us directly at research@acmainfo.org. 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. hit or miss. Medical Director of Astellas Pharma Philippines. Medical affairs is a growing component of 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). Your email address will not be published. 20 modules to prepare you for the Board Examination, Practice Question Bank to help prepare you for the BCMAS exam, Assistance with connections to MSL & Medical Affairs Recruiters, ACMA Easy Pay 3 Month-Installment Option (This gives you the option of splitting the payments over 3 months which is great especially for folks starting out and looking for financial flexibility. The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and MSL Society. Perfect time to get board certified. 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. Depending on your year of experience in the pharmaceutical, device, and/or diagnostics industry and our Medical science liaisons (MSLs), MSL manager/directors. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Both are serving a purpose for their intended audience. What constitutes a board certification designation? This is rather controversial around here. The ACMA provides training and certification programs for the pharmaceutical & healthcare industries. All Rights Reserved. The ACMA has an important mission BCMAS can help improve the quality of pharmaceutical The remaining 15 items serve as pretest questions, and do not affect your final score. 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. Thank you . It is a credential that resonates because of its association with board certified physicians. I have not completed the MSL-BC (MSLS), nor the BCMAS (ACMA), nor do have immediate plans to do so. some would be new. To keep your certification active, there are two paths:. healthcare providers (HCPs). I guess you can argue that. The ACMA has been featured in mainstream media such as Fox News, Forbes, Al Jazeera, ABC News, etc..) which reflect their status as thought leaders within the pharmaceutical industry. Current professionals working within clinical research organizations (CROs). Medical affairs departments throughout the industry have thousands of executives with medical or pharmacy doctorate degrees, along with their associated credentials.