To better understand the overall value of each program it is important to examine what each program provides. 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. The Medical Science Liaison Society (MSLS) is an organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL profession. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I work for the ACMA social media staff and was made aware of these threads on reddit. MSLs have advanced scientific training and academic credentials generally consisting of a medical affairs professionals. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. BCMAS was worth it! 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. What is a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)? - Medical Affairs Our MSL professional development and training solutions are based on real-world experience from professionals with world class MSL experience. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. However, the primary purpose of the MSL role is to build peer-peer relationships with leading HCPs, referred to as External Experts (EEs) at major academic centers of excellence around the world. Speaking for myself, I can already tell a shift in mentality towards clinical development and regulatory affairs following the BCMAS modules. I hope this article was useful to help you choose which MSL certification is right for you. The BCMAS program is a globally recognized board certification in over 40 countries. Christine Megalla, Pharm.D., Associate Director of Educational Programs at the Accreditation Council for It also customizes BCMAS exams to reflect different regions around the world so BCMAS is a great option for global MSL teams wanting to certify. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Accreditation Council for Medical AffairsStandard of Excellence #BCMAS medicalaffairsspecialist. Many pharmaceutical industry futurists believe that certification and credentialing via the BCMAS program will be the norm in years to come as regulators push for higher standards of excellence in the pharmaceutical industry, which has received negative attention due to the opioid crisis and other debacles in years past. Achieving the BCMAS demonstrates the highest standards of knowledge and excellence in the Medical Affairs profession. 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. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Others seek to differentiate themselves from their peers. Will that get you a job? and the functions which you have worked before, you may find some modules more familiar and While the exam consists of 140 multiple-choice questions, of these, 125 questions will be used to calculate your test score. Medical Affairs, PharmD? Any one in Medical Affairs? I am considering BCMAS These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But, how do you go about getting certified? life sciences & healthcare industries. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I would recommend it. 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. In comparison the BCMAS credential is already being used by professionals from around the world because its been around for several years and industry leaders recognize BCMAS. Should that be suspected, let me know. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS). Developed by industry experts and considered the industry standard by most for MSL certification. 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. My comment continued: I agree with the article, the ACMA module content and exam are not necessarily for entry level professionals. Naturally certain aspects may be less applicable to the unique role of a professional or a company. MSL-BC is a professional standard developed only for MSLs and MSL managers. 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. Individual career development paths is discussed specific to each credential and how board certification is impacting organizations on a macro level. The Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs' (ACMA) BCMAS certification fee (more on that later) comes along with. 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. The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a specific role within a function called medical affairs. science liaison to senior leader, you need something extra. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. After completing my first postdoc, I was unemployed for over 6 months. But the trend has unmistakably been a steady increase in moving the BCMAS toward the industry standard. The ACMA has an important mission BCMAS can help improve the quality of pharmaceutical With the growing number of professionals and one of the most varied entry experience requisites of any career field all funneling into a single job description it was certain that the time would come that a board certification would be needed. Thats becoming more difficult to do as medical affairs becomes increasingly strategic, increasingly larger as a function within the industry and increasingly competitive. I have been getting mixed reviews when asking and thought to ask this community. No existing program, to my knowledge, covers the spectrum of Medical Affairs and related topics like ACMAs 20 learning modules. Either way you will be watched and recorded while sitting for the test. I just signed up to take and they do a background check to verify your application. One way MSL professionals can stand out is by becoming board certified MSL professionals. Developed by industry experts and considered the industry standard by most for MSL certification. you didnt think were possible.. As more medical affairs executives undergo the certification program, theyre seeing the value in it and recommending it to their peers. 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. The CompTIA A+ certification requires two exams. Currently the only accredited board certification for MSLs worldwide. MSLs can participate in any stage of a products lifecycle, but typically are hired as a company prepares for launch. The biggest standout feature is the exam structure. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. MSLs help facilitate research and educate residents/fellows and much more. Why Certify with BCMAS - Home | ACMA for the exam. BCMAS is a Board Certification accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training /American National Standards Institute (IACET/ANSI). Thats not their only reason for getting a BCMAS certification, however. Congrats on passing the exam and getting certified. Depending on your year of experience in the pharmaceutical, device, and/or diagnostics industry It would be nice if these questions were available before the exam to help you prepare. How Pharma Industry Leader Suzanne Soliman, PharmD, BCMAS Advocates For Female Pharmacists, medical affairs vs medical science liaison, Medical Affairs and Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Board Certification: A Comprehensive Review, Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS): A Review by Paul Korner, MD, How to Seize New Pharmacy Opportunity in the Pharma Industry, Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs. Yes. Anecdotally, BCMAS graduates have noticed more momentum in their recruiting activities. The average medical science liaisons salary is $136,000. . But the BCMAS credential has a unique appeal for medical affairs executives, many of whom dont have a formal medical doctorate. The MSL-BC allows up to 4 hours for the 140-question multiple choice exam (of which 125 count toward your mark). *If you do not have a terminal degree (i. e. PhD, etc. Currently the only accredited board certification for MSLs worldwide. Physicians, pharmacists, and PhD professionals wishing to transition into the pharmaceutical industry. Several Advisory board meetings held with Medical Affairs leaders and subject matter experts. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It is impossible to operate in such scarcity. Unfortunately, the MSL Society doesnt have any preparatory content to help learners prepare for the MSL-BC exam. The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) program is the first accredited certification for medical science liaisons and medical affairs professionals in the world. 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. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS), Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Certification Review: Comparing the BCMAS vs. MSL-BC Certification. They want to exhibit their dedication to the task with something tangible. More important than setting themselves apart from other job seekers or attaching the BCMAS letters to the ends of their names, graduates of the ACMAs program want to demonstrate their commitment to medical affairs. Post title says it all. Yeah, I'm sure they'll legitimately take your money and give you some extra letters after your name. There is really only one waythrough feedback. The certification is a relatively new one, having launched in 2021. and improve on what I already know regarding Medical Affairs. You did the heavy lifting by being awesome :-). 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. Investing in a board certification at this age of growth is definitely time well spent. Still others are looking for a challenge to learn what they dont know. Basically, its a way to practice before the real test. Format- 100% Online, Self-Paced, Audio Time Needed to Complete - 40 hours Exam Required- Yes (online) 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. Medical Director of Astellas Pharma Philippines. To keep your certification active, there are two paths:. Once hired by a pharmaceutical company, they will be trained on (1) compliance rules and regulations related to interactions with HCPs and other important regulatory and compliance matters pertinent to the pharmaceutical industry to comply with PhRMA guidelines and (2) disease state and product(s) information related to the companys pipeline and currently marketed product(s). And theres certainly no programs offering board certification. By looking at the job postings it seems this certification is meaningless. Send a powerful message that you have achieved the highest standard of excellence, 90% of BCMAS professionals land the role they want in as little as two months, Build your brand as a subject matter expert with colleagues and HCPs, BCMAS Professionals earn up to 24% more than their peers, Senior Manager, Medical Science Liaison and Clinical Strategy Lead. Would anyone that has completed the program recommended it? MSL-BC requires this be accomplished every 3 years while BCMAS has an every 5 year requirement. Hello, can you please tell me if you took the certification and did it help you? A quick search on LinkedIn shows just how widely used the credential is among pharmaceutical industry professionals. Expanded Access 4.0 Registration Now Open! Certainly time well spent! The ACMA has been featured in mainstream media such as Fox News, Forbes, Al Jazeera, ABC News, etc. I have a clinical But comprehensive, accredited, educational programs for medical affairs professionals are few and far between. My comment part 1: The topic of standardization in Medical Affairs is timely and important. Listen to BCMAS graduates share their stories! As the U.S. grapples with the deadly opioid epidemic and public outrage over drug costs, The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) graduates are the pharma industry's thought leaders. The BCMAS certification is internationally recognized, and achieving the BCMAS . The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) Program sets the industry standard for the medical science liaisons and medical affairs professionals by providing an independently accredited award-winning career development program. The ACMA has Live 24/7 Chat support feature. Topics include: As the U.S. grapples with the deadly opioid epidemic and public outrage over drug costs, Joined May 7, 2015 Messages . Highlights the ongoing positive growth and evolution of the industry and how medical affairs contributes importantly to this. Curious to know if the BCMAS is worth pursuing? 1. Being board certified in any healthcare related career has proven to be impactful. And some of the more seasoned industry veterans have found so much value in the BCMAS program, that theyre championing it within their companies. Johnson & Johnson Medical Science Liaison Jamie M. Dettler-Leonard, PhD, BCMAS from provides her review of the BCMAS program on the Pharmacy Podcast Network discussing why BCMAS was worth pursuing. 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). Subsequent Examination Attempts (failed exams). Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) are typically trained PhD professionals, physicians, or pharmacists. CompTIA A+ is widely considered one of the go-to certificates for a well-rounded entry-level introduction to IT. Current medical affairs professionals (this includes: medical science liaisons, medical directors, VP Medical Affairs, Medical Information Specialists, Pharmacovigilance, HEOR professionals, etc.). I recently completed and passed. Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) . 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. 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. Medical Liaisons help to ensure that products are utilized appropriately. Basically, its a way to practice before the real test. Becoming Board Certified in Medical Affairs (BCMAS): The new standard The study materials are all provided. This level of support is something MSLs engaged in e-learning will really appreciate and value. some would be new. 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. A quick search on LinkedIn shows just how widely used the credential is among pharmaceutical industry professionals. CEO, A2A Pharmaceuticals, "BCMAS Review was excellent. Theyre well known for conducting conferences and meetings for MSLs. The BCMAS program is packed with information about each role within medical affairs, all while 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. Cost-benefit comparison As seen in Figure 1, MSL Society's program costs $450-$550, the BCMAS program costs $1,999, and the IFAPP program costs $8,600-$9,600. All Rights Reserved. Experienced pharmaceutical professional with a track record of high performance across diversified therapy areas in trade and tender markets in the UAE Holding a Master's Degree in Clinical Pharmacy from Ajman University of Science and Technology and working towards medical affairs board certification (BCMAS) #cardiology #endocrinology #anaesthesia #neuroscience #psychiatry #urology # . Certain aspects I am not familiar with, such as which program came first or whether the organizations are non profit. The MSL-BC contains only an exam and has no preparatory content or material . Youre Certifiable! Hughes Receives Board Certification as Medical Affairs Specialist Reem El Barrani, B. Pharm, MSc Clin. Pharm, BCMAS How one pharma vet helped create the first industry-wide training standards for aspiring This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You will have a total of 4 hours to complete the exam. One (1) year of cumulative experience working full-time as a Medical Science Liaison (or equivalent title) or leading a Medical Science Liaison team. Career-minded medical affairs professionals want to show senior leaders that their role is not just a job for them. A BCMAS certification is recognized around the world. Everything including the exam fee is ~$1000. 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. Recertification Option 2 : Retaking and passing the board exam BCMAS MENA | Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs life sciences & healthcare industries. 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. Very good article! MSLs are focused on building relationships with key experts BCMAS Home | ACMA Those professionals working within clinical development, research & development and are transitioning to a medical affairs role. The ACMA offers a flexible payment plan where you can pay in 3 easy installments of BPharm, MPH, MBA, BCMAS Addressing everything in one place can help establish a solid foundation, build confidence and competence for individuals and teams. Do you need prior experience before taking this? Program Policies | ACMA Thats an important differentiator for BCMAS. You are given 4 attempts to pass the BCMAS. you didnt think were possible.. Thats an important differentiator for BCMAS. 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. Emanuel clarified his point: Its an opportunity to do things that you had never considered, or that High performers develop their capabilities to work more effectively in their roles. In its nearly four years, the ACMA has laid many in-roads into the industry and continues to do so. 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). How one pharma vet helped create the first industry-wide training standards for aspiring But you can clearly see on our website, our position. an accreditor of medical affairs professionals and pharmaceutical sales representatives I learned so much last night from the free courses with a certificate to-show-at-the-end offered by NIH office of clinical research too.