Basically, its a way to practice before the real test. 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. I view them as a way to develop and solidify already gained experience. 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. **application fee must be paid with a credit card or PayPal in US Dollars. I saw some colleagues For more information and recent students testimonials, click here. The BCMAS program is a globally recognized board certification in over 40 countries. I strongly encourage all I have been authorized to respond as ACMA. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. This credential demonstrates that you have mastered the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to work in the life sciences industry. (1) completing 20 hours of continuing education credits approved by the ACMA or (2) by But comprehensive, accredited, educational programs for medical affairs professionals are few and far between. 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. Naturally certain aspects may be less applicable to the unique role of a professional or a company. While some MSLs view MSLS as a valuable resource, it's worth noting that they are not accredited by any outside body. These officials will discuss the importance of establishing certification and credentialing standards for medical affairs and medical science liaison professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. Program Info | ACMA This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 10. You do not need prior industry experience but you do need to have a pharmd/phd/md/do etc. 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 took both exams. Very good article! But you can clearly see on our website, our position. The ACMA provides training and certification programs for the pharmaceutical & healthcare industries. 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. in our pharmacy industry. The BCMAS program is a perfect resource for industry professionals, transitioning academics or anyone seeking to gain and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of healthcare landscapes, therapeutic development and regulatory infrastructure. The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs' (ACMA) BCMAS certification fee (more on that later) comes along with. Never allow a serious crisis go to waste. So said former Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. *A note from the author: I penned these articles while waiting for my exam results from BCMAS. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It's a role which has a tremendous impact on the industry and overall healthcare ecosystem. Required fields are marked *. Some are looking to add to their personal understanding of medical affairs role in the life sciences industry. 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. BCMAS is a Board Certification accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training /American National Standards Institute (IACET/ANSI). Director, Head of Medical Affairs, Astellas. BCMAS allows up to 3 hours for their four-section exam which includes multiple . Video advice: What is a Medical Science Liaison? Hi It is legit. Wow, those are pretty serious allegations to put out there. Regardless of which team of Medical Affairs one resides in, I believe awareness of the whole discipline can lead to higher levels of contribution. MSLs have advanced scientific training and academic credentials generally consisting of a 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. 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. Furthermore, if having an accredited organization confer an MSL certification matters to you, then ACMA is the way to go. But a MSL position is not right for everyone. 700 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 204 Oradell, New Jersey 07649 USA But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. I guess you can argue that. I have a few questions if you don't mind answering. ACMA does not charge any additional fees for retaking the exam if you fail which is nice. 1. I had to unfollow their updates. Each of the certifications require you to complete CE and/or retest every few years to keep the board certification current. Please contact us for more information, or view the scholarships information page. Thoughts on BCMAS? : r/MedicalScienceLiaison - reddit an accreditor of medical affairs professionals and pharmaceutical sales representatives I am stuck at home, jobless because of fucking covid. so though I expand my career. 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. In a nutshell, this program gave me an in-depth perspective on the dynamic role a medical science liaison plays in scientific exchange and data generation. It should be stated that all attempts were made to write an unbiased review article, however, only going through 1 of the certification programs and exams may have made it more difficult than expected. Highlights the ongoing positive growth and evolution of the industry and how medical affairs contributes importantly to this. Subsequent Examination Attempts (failed exams). Becoming Board Certified in Medical Affairs (BCMAS): The New Standard Online, proctored by a webcam. Have completed at least a bachelors degree and have 2 years relevant professional experience (ie., pharmaceutical industry experience, clinical and/or research experience). The remaining 15 items serve as pretest questions, and do not affect your final score. Considering Medical Science Liaison Training Certification. The ACMA offers a flexible payment plan where you can pay in 3 easy installments of Program Policies | ACMA 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. You also need to understand how other people see you. This button displays the currently selected search type. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. But how can one get all this info? Medical Director of Astellas Pharma Philippines. 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. BCMAS established to create standards for knowledge, business skills and professional practice in the pharmaceutical industry. The lowest rating is NEMA 1 . The Medical Science Liaison Society (MSLS) is an organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL profession. 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. The MSL Society (MSLs) and the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) both offer a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Board Certification. But the BCMAS credential has a unique appeal for medical affairs executives, many of whom dont have a formal medical doctorate. As the U.S. grapples with the deadly opioid epidemic and public outrage over drug costs, ), but are still interested in being more informed and getting an edge on career advancement in Medical Affairs, the ACMA also offers a competency certificate (MACC) that includes the six topics starred * above. Online, proctored by a webcam. So, I started looking for other types of positionspositions that would fit my strengths. taking the board exam. I have been getting mixed reviews when asking and thought to ask this community. This level of support is something MSLs engaged in e-learning will really appreciate and value. Everything including the exam fee is ~$1000. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist Program - BCMAS Need of the hour. 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. Is A Bcmas Worth It For Msl Career | Bd Jobs Today Investing in a board certification at this age of growth is definitely time well spent. Anyone working in medical affairs understands that its a highly specialized area. This means that as an MSL, you will consistently reach out to people with the intent to educate them about your company and its products. While MSLs are not sales representatives, they ARE proactive educators. MSL-BC requires this be accomplished every 3 years while BCMAS has an every 5 year requirement. The BCMAS certification has been around since 2015 and the credential is very well recognized and widely used. Others seek to differentiate themselves from their peers. 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 This two-part article provides a good summary on the ACMA and MSLS programs. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist Program was developed by industry experts, clinicians, researchers, and online learning specialists. Theyre well known for conducting conferences and meetings for MSLs. While the exam consists of 140 multiple-choice questions, of these, 125 questions will be used to calculate your test score. 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. industry professionals, I strongly encourage all BCMAS Home | ACMA I recently completed and passed. Grantors always consider if the PI has the experience and resources to get the job done. About 100 questions in total (Multiple choice, case studies and True/False). MSLs may serve as scientific peers and resources within the medical community, and are scientific experts to internal colleagues at companies. Never allow a serious crisis go to waste. So said former Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of You did the heavy lifting by being awesome :-). Medical Affairs, PharmD? Any one in Medical Affairs? I am considering BCMAS 1. Accreditation Council for Medical AffairsStandard of Excellence #BCMAS medicalaffairsspecialist. Dr. Hughes Receives Board Certification as Medical Affairs Specialist 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. The remaining 15 items serve as pretest questions, and do not affect your final score. A Tale of 2 MSL Board Certifications: What You Should Know - Part 1 The ACMA has Live 24/7 Chat support feature. We hope this MSL article was helpful! Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. . It would be nice if these questions were available before the exam to help you prepare. It is designed to assist in the professional development of every MSL. The biggest standout feature is the exam structure. 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 certification is the most comprehensive Medical Affairs professional development and training program in the world. ", Lubna El-Najjar and the functions which you have worked before, you may find some modules more familiar and One way MSL professionals can stand out is by becoming board certified MSL professionals. But how do you choose the right MSL Certification for you? The BCMAS certification is internationally recognized, and achieving the BCMAS . * Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist Physician & Licensed Medical Esthetician with extensive network of KOLs in aesthetics, dermatology, plastic surgery, facial plastics ent, oculoplastics . 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). The MSL Society (MSLs) and the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) both offer a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Board Certification. One (1) year of cumulative experience working full-time as a Medical Science Liaison (or equivalent title) or leading a Medical Science Liaison team. Obviously don't take my word, do your own research but just my take on the topic. BCMAS Frequently Asked Questions - Home | ACMA Either way you will be watched and recorded while sitting for the test. ACMA launched their accredited board certification program over 3 years ago; those who pass will garnish the BCMAS credential or are deemed Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialists. This demonstrates the prestigious connotation associated with the BCMAS mark. In its nearly four years, the ACMA has laid many in-roads into the industry and continues to do so. With increased scrutiny on pharmaceutical industry practices, ensuring that pharmaceutical companies are validating the knowledge of their field teams in medical affairs and sales is imperative. 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. Certain aspects I am not familiar with, such as which program came first or whether the organizations are non profit. Those professionals working within clinical development, research & development and are transitioning to a medical affairs role. But, how do you go about getting certified? Thank you for your thorough and thoughtful comments. Should that be suspected, let me know. This two part series endeavors to compare both certifications equipping professionals to make that decision for themselves. industry professionals worldwide and therefore improve patient care., Sotirios G. Stergiopoulos I hope this article was useful to help you choose which MSL certification is right for you. This demonstrates the prestigious connotation associated with the BCMAS mark. Landing an MSL role isnt easy. Medical science liaisons (MSLs), MSL manager/directors. Since then, many companies have built MSL teams within medical affairs to help provide important educational information to HCPs. With BCMAS certification, you demonstrate that you've mastered the industry standard of knowledge through intensive study, self-assessment, and evaluation. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It is also the first board certification for MSLs. Thank you . The CompTIA A+ certification requires two exams. 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. The MSL-BC credential is still very new, and it remains to be seen how widely adopted it becomes. some would be new. To better understand the overall value of each program it is important to examine what each program provides. Post title says it all. But how do you choose the right MSL Certification for you? Medical Affairs as a discipline is accountable to varied deliverables. 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. It is also the first board certification for MSLs. and improve on what I already know regarding Medical Affairs. You are using an out of date browser. The MSL-BC includes only the certification exam and the onus is on the learner to try and find material to help them prep for the exam. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The MSL-BC contains only an exam and has no preparatory content or material . BCMAS Certification Associated preparation for each exam varies greatly. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. To be successful at this, you must always maintain diplomacy, self-discipline, and integrity. My comment part 1: The topic of standardization in Medical Affairs is timely and important. Loved it! The remaining 15 items serve as pretest questions, and do not affect your final score. Videory can be a good size for data scientists; enough other data scientists are around to provide mentorship and support, but the team is still small enough that you can get to know everyone. Content is always updated to reflect new business practices, technologies, market challenges and regulatory changes. 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. 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. With us it's easy to find the job you want! Any insight will be greatly appreciated. ACMA received IACET accreditation, whose processes helped us build a rigorous curriculum. If this blows up in the next few years, consider us striking gold to get this certification first. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Medical Affairs, talks about the organizations certification process. MSL Society is a smaller non-profit organization, so they dont have the bandwidth to provide as much US & global support as the ACMA. If you are planning to join Medical Affairs, What is a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)? - Medical Affairs You were very easy and very fun to mentor! What do you guys/gals think? by Michael Grahame Moore, William G. Anderson. SALARY Inc! It is meant to establish uniform standards for a profession that we advocate for (namely MSLs/med affairs professionals). 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. Also, in case there is any concern about MSLS or ACMA influencing how this community is run, rest assured I have no affiliation with either. ACMA is proud to offer scholarships to all of our eligible enrollees. 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. 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. 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. I'll be curious to read this carefully when I have a moment. 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. Subsequent Examination Attempts (failed exams). The BCMAS program will expand your knowledge and advance your medical science liaison career. 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. Currently the only accredited board certification for MSLs worldwide. Records indicate that UpJohn Pharmaceuticals was the first company to coin the term MSL in 1967. and our We cannot control how people decide to leverage their certification. BCMAS was worth it!" Brian Duncan MD, BCMAS Vice President, Medical Affairs . The BCMAS curriculum is comprehensive spanning 20 modules covering all areas of medical affairs. The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and MSL Society. The study materials are all provided. 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 I literally knew nothing about how to be an MSL when you got me. Basically, its a way to practice before the real test. The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA), however, offers a Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) program for medical affairs professionals across the career spectrum. The ACMA has been featured in mainstream media such as Fox News, Forbes, Al Jazeera, ABC News, etc. You are given 4 attempts to pass the BCMAS. 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. I was looking for avenues where I can learn more and grow in Medical Affairs. 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. You are given 4 attempts to pass the BCMAS. Medical Affairs Manager, Upjohn-Pfizer. This enables MSLs to ask questions any time 7 days a week. #msl #boardcertification #bcmas #mslbc #medicalaffairs #msls #acma. When comparing both certifications directly a stark contrast can be seen. This article is meant to help you make that decision. Master cold calling/emailing and networking. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. BCMAS is a Board Certification accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training / American National Standards Institute (IACET/ANSI). BCMAS helped me have everything in place and helped me expand my knowledge base beyond the product knowledge. So BCMAS applies to several roles in pharma-not just MSL jobs. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS). Unfortunately, I cannot ensure that there are not shill accounts in this community. How one pharma vet helped create the first industry-wide training standards for aspiring They also give you 20 modules to prepare you. All Rights Reserved. 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. Therefore, the chances of failing the exam are higher. It never hurts to continue learning. I will update this community should that change. Just talked to some of my colleagues in regulatory affairs who are anywhere from SM to SVP in their respective companies, mostly Temple (. 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. 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 fact that theyre accredited cannot be overemphasized. Staff, Rahm Emanuel, in response to the global financial crisis of 2007/2008. Medical Science Liaison Certification : BCMAS vs. MSL-BC Hold an MD, PharmD, PhD, DO, MBBS, DNP, NP, PA, BPharm, PsyD, or other relevant degree from an Would anyone that has completed the program recommended it? Congrats on passing the exam and getting certified. BCMAS is the first and only accredited program, as well as the longest standing MSL/Medical Affairs Certification program in the industry. Current professionals working within clinical research organizations (CROs). Currently the only accredited board certification for MSLs worldwide. Thats not their only reason for getting a BCMAS certification, however. Consists of 140 multiple-choice questions. Topics include: Maximize your MSL teams emotional intelligence and how to use it to build relationships. And going from a medical Certifications and Ratings . The ACMA has Live 24/7 Chat support feature. 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.