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. So BCMAS applies to several roles in pharma-not just MSL jobs. 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. life sciences & healthcare industries. The fact that theyre accredited cannot be overemphasized. 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. Currently the only accredited board certification for MSLs worldwide. It is also the first board certification for MSLs. Its a comprehensive, self-paced online, on demand certification program built by industry leaders and subject matter experts. Considering Medical Science Liaison Training Certification. and be BCMAS.. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist and transition from retail pharmacy to the pharmaceutical industry. For medical science liaisons, the BCMAS provides a professional credential that demonstrates a commitment to the role, a dedication to a high standard of excellence and protects the integrity of medical affairs. Having pre-test questions right before your actual exam feels a bit odd. The BCMAS content was developed by over 30 subject matter experts from academia, 700 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 204 Oradell, New Jersey 07649 USA 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. MSL-BC is a professional standard developed only for MSLs and MSL managers. One way MSL professionals can stand out is by becoming board certified MSL professionals. accredited college, university or institution. ACMA does not charge any additional fees for retaking the exam if you fail which is nice. Never allow a serious crisis go to waste. So said former Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of About 100 questions in total (Multiple choice, case studies and True/False). 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. 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. Myth: Post title says it all. The BCMAS seal means your medical affairs & MSL team has been rigorously evaluated by the leading . It's always a challenge to transition from academia to industry. 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. 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. And this has proven to be valuable to many who are now board certified thanks to the ACMA. While MSLs are not sales representatives, they ARE proactive educators. from Asia who were Board Certified, so I decided to complete the program. With this credential, your organization substantiates its commitment to quality care and improved patient outcomes. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. BCMAS was worth it!" Brian Duncan MD, BCMAS Vice President, Medical Affairs . You do not need prior industry experience but you do need to have a pharmd/phd/md/do etc. The MSL Society (MSLs) and the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) both offer a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Board Certification. ACMA received IACET accreditation, whose processes helped us build a rigorous curriculum. One (1) year of cumulative experience working full-time as a Medical Science Liaison (or equivalent title) or leading a Medical Science Liaison team. Therefore, the chances of failing the exam are higher. Thanks for sharing Jill! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I am stuck at home, jobless because of fucking covid. so though I expand my career. 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 took both exams. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The ACMA welcomes all points of view but we believe it's important to separate fact from fiction. The MSL-BC contains only an exam and has no preparatory content or material to help individuals prepare. I have not completed the MSL-BC (MSLS), nor the BCMAS (ACMA), nor do have immediate plans to do so. They also give you 20 modules to prepare you. The ACMA has Live 24/7 Chat support feature. industry. This is very interesting to me. Consists of 140 multiple-choice questions. Please select your appropriate region below to learn more about becoming certified today! Both are serving a purpose for their intended audience. The BCMAS curriculum is comprehensive spanning 20 modules covering all areas of medical affairs. I believe it in. healthcare & this podcast is a collection of intellectual interviews with leaders Board certifying medical affairs and medical science liaison professionals is critical to ensure ethical practices, compliance excellence, and public trust at this crucial time. Tel: +1 (201) 688-2230 Do you need prior experience before taking this? If I have questions while I am learning or need support I can instantly chat with a real person. 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 ACMA has been featured in mainstream media such as Fox News, Forbes, Al Jazeera, ABC News, etc. The BCMAS provided me with a thorough knowledge of medical affairs operations, the life Master cold calling/emailing and networking. The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and MSL Society. Medical science liaisons (MSLs), MSL manager/directors. 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. A BCMAS certification is recognized around the world. 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. Consists of 140 multiple-choice questions. MSL-BC requires this be accomplished every 3 years while BCMAS has an every 5 year requirement. 36, Sector 20, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, India - 400 708, Building of Chocoblooms shop,Mezan floor, Office 03United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Al-Nahyan. If this blows up in the next few years, consider us striking gold to get this certification first. I have been authorized to respond as ACMA. The average medical science liaisons salary is $136,000. This credential demonstrates that you have mastered the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to work in the life sciences industry. ), 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). Additionally, they also have a dedicated team of advisors to help MSLs every step of the way. Such a great foundation for someone new to pharma. Are the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) and the board-certified medical affairs specialist (BCMAS) certification legitimate and desired by medical affairs hirers in industry, or is it a scam set up by the Apotheker Group and William and Suzanne Soliman. I was looking for avenues where I can learn more and grow in Medical Affairs. BCMAS is indeed a certification relevant & valuable to all involved in Medical Affairs beyond the MSL community. Have completed at least a bachelors degree and have 2 years relevant professional experience (ie., pharmaceutical industry experience, clinical and/or research experience). Toll Free: +1 (855) 255-7137, Rio de Janieiro St 212, Suite 151 Sao Paulo, SP 01240-010 Brasil, 202, Jai Omkar, Plot No. All Right Reserved. Achieving the BCMAS demonstrates the highest standards of knowledge and excellence in the Medical Affairs profession. But comprehensive, accredited, educational programs for medical affairs professionals are few and far between. Privacy Policy. 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. 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. I applied to a lot of industry positions in the past and never got an interview. The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) program is the first accredited certification for medical science liaisons and medical affairs professionals in the world. 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. The remaining 15 items serve as pretest questions, and do not affect your final score. Yes. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Medical Affairs, talks about the organizations certification process. It is a credential that resonates because of its association with board certified physicians. It is also the first board certification for MSLs. 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. High performers develop their capabilities to work more effectively in their roles. industry professionals worldwide and therefore improve patient care., Sotirios G. Stergiopoulos 7+ Year Member. Hello, can you please tell me if you took the certification and did it help you? some would be new. The exam has a 3 hour time limit. You also need to understand how other people see you. Your email address will not be published. I hope this article was useful to help you choose which MSL certification is right for you. The BCMAS curriculum is comprehensive spanning 20 modules covering all areas of medical affairs. When comparing both certifications directly a stark contrast can be seen. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 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. As more medical affairs executives undergo the certification program, theyre seeing the value in it and recommending it to their peers. The BCMAS program is a globally recognized board certification in over 40 countries. That positive relationship can now be yours in your pharmaceutical medical affairs career. Thats an important differentiator for BCMAS. 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. Medical Science Liaison, Neurology Western Canada. After some controversy, If I have questions while I am learning or need support I can instantly chat with a real person. I would recommend it. A final note, I am not affiliated nor a member of either the MSLS or ACMA Society at this time but would consider either a great choice. A risk that I (imho) think might be worth taking. It never hurts to continue learning. What do the study materials cost? Seems like you are jumping the gun a bit. You must log in or register to reply here. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. BCMAS is a Board Certification accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training / American National Standards Institute (IACET/ANSI). Content is always updated to reflect new business practices, technologies, market challenges and regulatory changes. Theyre well known for conducting conferences and meetings for MSLs. To better understand the overall value of each program it is important to examine what each program provides. The BCMAS program will expand your knowledge and advance your medical science liaison career. 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. To be successful at this, you must always maintain diplomacy, self-discipline, and integrity. A community for all things affiliated with the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) profession. One credentialing note of differentiation here: there is an amount of verbal diarrhea when it comes to whos the first this or which company has the only that, and both credentialing bodies claim to be the worlds first and/or only fill in the blank. 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. BCMAS is relevant for MSLs as well as other functions within Medical Affairs. Regardless of which team of Medical Affairs one resides in, I believe awareness of the whole discipline can lead to higher levels of contribution. The BCMAS program is packed with information about each role within medical affairs, all while But you can clearly see on our website, our position. 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. Being board certified in any healthcare related career has proven to be impactful. Growing need for medical affairs certification. It's a role which has a tremendous impact on the industry and overall healthcare ecosystem. Yes, we have more time on our hands right now! Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. ProctorU is utilized by both organizations for proctoring of the exam and both are completed under timed conditions following an identity verification process.