bcmas certification worth it

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. One way MSL professionals can stand out is by becoming board certified MSL professionals. industry professionals, I strongly encourage all 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. some would be new. They also give you 20 modules to prepare you. *A note from the author: I penned these articles while waiting for my exam results from BCMAS. ProctorU is utilized by both organizations for proctoring of the exam and both are completed under timed conditions following an identity verification process. medical affairs and MSL colleagues to enroll in BCMAS. clinical medicine, and experts from the pharmaceutical industry. 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. Get your Medical Science Liaison (MSL) & medical affairs team COVID-19 ready, Ensure compliant & ethical field medical affairs team interactions during COVID-19, Enhance trust with the medical (and patient) communities and your accredited medical affairs and Medical Science Liaison (MSL) team. and be BCMAS.. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist and transition from retail pharmacy to the pharmaceutical industry. Certifications and Ratings . Do you need prior experience before taking this? This two-part article provides a good summary on the ACMA and MSLS programs. Listen Now! It is meant to establish uniform standards for a profession that we advocate for (namely MSLs/med affairs professionals). This level of support is something MSLs engaged in e-learning will really appreciate and value. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Anyone working in medical affairs understands that its a highly specialized area. Requirements for renewing your BCMAS certification: The BCMAS credential is valid for five (5) years. Additionally, they also have a dedicated team of advisors to help MSLs every step of the way. 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. Subsequent Examination Attempts (failed exams). With us it's easy to find the job you want! BCMAS is a Board Certification accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training / American National Standards Institute (IACET/ANSI). 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). 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. You also need to understand how other people see you. healthcare & this podcast is a collection of intellectual interviews with leaders This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These days, landing an MSL role isnt easy. you didnt think were possible.. Topics include: Maximize your MSL teams emotional intelligence and how to use it to build relationships. I recently completed and passed. 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. They also give you 20 modules to prepare you. All Right Reserved. And theres certainly no programs offering board certification. In fact, I completed my PhD in a little over 4 years. doctorate degree (Ph.D., PharmD., M.D.). life sciences & healthcare industries. How one pharma vet helped create the first industry-wide training standards for aspiring 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. You're either a spammer, or a sheep. The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and MSL Society. The BCMAS content was developed by over 30 subject matter experts from academia, ACMA does not charge any additional fees for retaking the exam if you fail which is nice. This is rather controversial around here. Copyright 2022 - BDJobsToday.org. I have a few questions if you don't mind answering. 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. It is impossible to operate in such scarcity. It is designed to assist in the professional development of every MSL. Does it give you an advantage when applying? 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 BCMAS program is a globally recognized board certification in over 40 countries. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. During this same search you will find a handful of over achievers who have added the MSL-BC to their already certified BCMAS. medical affairs professionals. Have you talked to anyone in this field about this exam and employment chances? I assume many are in process of deciding which certification route to take. I will update this community should that change. The Medical Science Liaison Society (MSLS) is an organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL profession. 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. Investing in a board certification at this age of growth is definitely time well spent. 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. by Michael Grahame Moore, William G. Anderson. Myth: What constitutes a board certification designation? Very good article! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Several Advisory board meetings held with Medical Affairs leaders and subject matter experts. You will have a total of 4 hours to complete the exam. 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. Hi. BCMAS is the first and only accredited program, as well as the longest standing MSL/Medical Affairs Certification program in the industry. As a result the BCMAS program has several international variations each containing region specific information. Your email address will not be published. in our pharmacy industry. With BCMAS certification, you demonstrate that you've mastered the industry standard of knowledge through intensive study, self-assessment, and evaluation. But, how do you go about getting certified? life sciences & healthcare industries. About the MSL-BC. Additionally, they also have a dedicated team of advisors to help MSLs every step of the way. But the BCMAS program appeals to younger professionals for very concrete reasons. Certain aspects I am not familiar with, such as which program came first or whether the organizations are non profit. Consists of 140 multiple-choice questions. These cookies do not store any personal information. (Article updated to include link to part 2). Raymond Oliva, MD, FPCP, BCMAS - LinkedIn It can help you break into a medical affairs role in big pharma or even accelerate your career advancement. The average medical science liaisons salary is $136,000. A risk that I (imho) think might be worth taking. One way MSL professionals can stand out is by becoming board certified MSL professionals. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The remaining 15 items serve as pretest questions, and do not affect your final score. The ACMA offers customized training and professional development for MSL teams. 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. ACMA received IACET accreditation, whose processes helped us build a rigorous curriculum. I thought it was interesting considering an acquaintance of mine (a former-MSL now in a non-field MedAffairs role) mentioned he didn't know anyone that cared for that certification. within the medical community and serve as liaisons between HCPs and their company. 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. Developed by industry experts and considered the industry standard by most for MSL certification. The MSL-BC credential is still very new, and it remains to be seen how widely adopted it becomes. Program Info | ACMA sciences industry, cross-functionality within life science companies and the regulatory and ethical requirements of medical science liaisons. About 100 questions in total (Multiple choice, case studies and True/False). 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). orgAccreditation Council for Medical AffairsStandard of Excellence #BCMASThe ACMA, Raising the Standards of Excellence for Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) and Medical Affairs Professionalsmedicalaffairsspecialist. Current professionals working within clinical research organizations (CROs). Part 2 certainly goes into that sort of detail. MSL-BC requires this be accomplished every 3 years while BCMAS has an every 5 year requirement. Additionally, they also have a dedicated team of advisors to help MSLs every step of the way. Everyone approaches the board certification process for different reasons. Tel: +1 (201) 688-2230 The exam has a 3 hour time limit. I believe it in. The MSL-BC contains only an exam and has no preparatory content or material . The lowest rating is NEMA 1 . Of these, 125 questions will be used to calculate your test score. If this blows up in the next few years, consider us striking gold to get this certification first. There is really only one waythrough feedback. The ACMA is a globally accredited & recognized organization, they have offices in the U.S., India, Europe, South America and the UAE. Such a great foundation for someone new to pharma. BCMAS Graduates From Over 200 Companies Certify Your Team Payment Options One-Time Payment Application Fee $49 BCMAS Online Course $1000 Credentialing Fee $150 Examination Fee $800 TOTAL $1999 ACMA Easy Pay (3 Month) Monthly Payment $716.33 / Mo Monthly Installments 3 TOTAL $2149 PayPal CREDIT Financing If I have questions while I am learning or need support I can instantly chat with a real person. Hi-- I am planning to take it as well. This credential demonstrates that you have mastered the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to work in the life sciences industry. As I've stated before, I have read Dyer's book and found it helpful 3 years ago when breaking in. Medical Affairs Manager, Upjohn-Pfizer. The BCMAS certification has been around since 2015 and the credential is very well recognized and widely used. Is this certification respected and recognized? Thanks, I appreciate the up-to-date info! Several years ago many did not believe that it would be possible to have a certification that broadly sweeps small and large organizations and everything in between including all therapeutic areas. Its the benchmark of excellence for Medical Affairs in the industry for over 5+ years. The 3 Month (100 Day) MCAT Study Schedule Guide: 2022 Edition, http://www.medicalaffairsspecialist-affairs-specialist-program/exam-information/, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/director-of-medical-affairs-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm, https://pharmacy.temple.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements/qara-non-thesis-ms, http://shp.rutgers.edu/dept/biopharma/certificates/, The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist Program (BCMAS) comes to Rutgers University providing a new path forward for scientific and clinical professionals looking to work within the pharmaceutical industry, Opinion on regulatory affairs vs. medical affairs, Regulatory Affairs or Medical Information, All resources are student and donor supported. ACMA seems a-bit move valid and trustworthy in my opinion. Naturally certain aspects may be less applicable to the unique role of a professional or a company. I saw some colleagues Board Certify Your Medical Affairs/MSL Team with BCMAS is grabbing the attention of politicians and policymakers. The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs is meeting the daily challenge of expanding and level-setting the knowledge base of medical affairs professionals throughout the industry. If I have questions while I am learning or need support I can instantly chat with a real person. High performers develop their capabilities to work more effectively in their roles. The BCMAS certification is the most comprehensive Medical Affairs professional development and training program in the world. The ACMA provides training and certification programs for the pharmaceutical & healthcare industries. Medical science liaisons (MSLs), MSL manager/directors. This two part series endeavors to compare both certifications equipping professionals to make that decision for themselves. Speaking for myself, I can already tell a shift in mentality towards clinical development and regulatory affairs following the BCMAS modules. ACMA Podcast is focused on establishing benchmarks of excellence in training for the Medical Affairs as a discipline is accountable to varied deliverables. 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. Compounded Sterile Preparations Pharmacist, The ACMA, Raising the Standards of Excellence for Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) and Medical Affairs Professionals. You did the heavy lifting by being awesome :-). But the trend has unmistakably been a steady increase in moving the BCMAS toward the industry standard. About 100 questions in total (Multiple choice, case studies and True/False). Would anyone that has completed the program recommended it? Loved it! I applied to a lot of industry positions in the past and never got an interview. While the exam consists of 140 multiple-choice questions, of these, 125 questions will be used to calculate your test score. Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) are typically trained PhD professionals, physicians, or pharmacists. For more information and recent students testimonials, click here. I agree with you but don't you think that the topics they cover could at least give you some knowledge about the field which could potentially help in getting your foot in the door? 36, Sector 20, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, India - 400 708, Building of Chocoblooms shop,Mezan floor, Office 03United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Al-Nahyan. Wow, those are pretty serious allegations to put out there. . ) Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Certification Review: Comparing the BCMAS vs. MSL-BC Certification, Handbook of Distance Education: Second Edition, Rich Dad Poor Dad What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money, Medical Writing: A Guide for Clinicians, Educators, and Researchers, Is An Mba Worth It For A Salesforce Career, Are Consulting Fees Subject To Self Employment Tax, What Career Can You Get With International Relations, What Happens If You Unlearn A Profession Maplestory, Is Teaching A Good Profession In Australia, How To Start An Employment Agency From Home In India, How To Authorize A New Career College In Texas, How Have Computers Changed The Him Profession, 5 From the Fastest-Growing Remote Career Groups, Does Employment Security Ofice Have My Job History, How To Hide Job Search From Employer On Linkedin, Responsibility disclaimer and privacy policy. However, I do notice quite a few MSLs with that certification. Basically, its a way to practice before the real test. 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. Physicians, pharmacists, and PhD professionals wishing to transition into the pharmaceutical industry. Considering Medical Science Liaison Training Certification. This level of support is something MSLs engaged in e-learning will really appreciate and value. Many of the comments here are false and misleading. Unfortunately, the MSL Society doesnt have any preparatory content to help learners prepare for the MSL-BC exam. taking the board exam. You will have a total of 4 hours to complete the exam. Medical Affairs, talks about the organizations certification process. 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. Having pre-test questions right before your actual exam feels a bit odd. This enables MSLs to ask questions any time 7 days a week. Currently the only accredited board certification for MSLs worldwide. Recertification Option 1 : Completing twenty (20) hours of continuing education modules provided by the ACMA and successful quiz completion of each module. Current professionals working in promotional or non-promotional medical education agencies which support pharmaceutical companies. You were very easy and very fun to mentor! 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 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. Medical Science Liaison Certification that You Should Get Medical science liaisons (MSLs), MSL manager/directors. 1. The MSL Society (MSLs) and the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) both offer a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Board Certification. 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. 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'm leaning towards the former. I literally knew nothing about how to be an MSL when you got me. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. I'll be curious to read this carefully when I have a moment. Still others are looking for a challenge to learn what they dont know. None of the posting mention it in required or preferred qualifications. 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. This demonstrates the prestigious connotation associated with the BCMAS mark. Master cold calling/emailing and networking. Depending on your year of experience in the pharmaceutical, device, and/or diagnostics industry 36, Sector 20, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, India - 400 708, Building of Chocoblooms shop,Mezan floor, Office 03United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Al-Nahyan. Required fields are marked *. But the BCMAS credential has a unique appeal for medical affairs executives, many of whom dont have a formal medical doctorate. 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. Tel: +1 (201) 688-2230 The certification offered is not meant to train people, it isn't meant to help them "break in." To better understand the overall value of each program it is important to examine what each program provides. The BCMAS curriculum is comprehensive spanning 20 modules covering all areas of medical affairs. But you can clearly see on our website, our position. **application fee must be paid with a credit card or PayPal in US Dollars. MSLs help facilitate research and educate residents/fellows and much more. Currently the only accredited board certification for MSLs worldwide. The other nice feature is that its a broadly used certification for everyone in medical affairs (including MSLs). Thanks for sharing Jill! healthcare providers (HCPs). SALARY Inc! Regardless of which team of Medical Affairs one resides in, I believe awareness of the whole discipline can lead to higher levels of contribution. Current professionals working in promotional or non-promotional medical education agencies which support pharmaceutical companies. As the U.S. grapples with the deadly opioid epidemic and public outrage over drug costs, Those are some of the reasons why executives with more than a decade of industry experience have turned to the ACMA to earn their medical affairs credentials. 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. It never hurts to continue learning. The remaining 15 items serve as pretest questions, and do not affect your final score. The CompTIA A+ certification requires two exams. They feel that having the board certification attached to their names gives them a leg up in both hiring and career development.