Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program

Understanding the Benefits of the Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program

Introducing the Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program, an essential component of the MAPS eCademy Learning Journey, specifically designed to elevate your understanding of critical concepts and practices in Medical Affairs.   

Here at MAPS, we understand the necessity of ongoing professional development, and the Foundations program stands as a decisive step for individuals determined to enhance their skills and boost their impact within the field.   

Developed in collaboration with over 60 industry experts from leading pharmaceutical and MedTech organizations globally, this program is grounded in real-world experience and insights, encompassing 42 key competencies across seven critical domains that address the multifaceted challenges faced in today’s Medical Affairs landscape. 

MAPS eCademy Learning Journey – Where Foundations Aligns

ecadem\y journey

Take a Glimpse at the Details

Foundations is a component of the MAPS eCademy Learning Journey, designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of essential concepts and practices within Medical Affairs. This program empowers you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in this dynamic industry through a range of learning options, including introductory, foundational, and advanced courses. A revised MA Primer course will be released this summer, and the CMPA program is coming soon! 

Discover your potential in Medical Affairs with our engaging introductory MA Primer Program. This course offers essential concepts and valuable insights that will advance your understanding of the field, allowing you to confidently pursue a successful and rewarding career. 

Enhance your skills with our Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program, which provides an in-depth exploration of all areas within the MAPS Medical Affairs Competency Framework for those new to the field. You will delve into essential topics such as strategic excellence, medical communications, evidence generation, and more. This program will empower you to make meaningful contributions to your teams and organizations, positioning you as a valuable resource in the field of Medical Affairs. 

The CMAP Program is essential for achieving advanced proficiency in the Medical Affairs field and broadening your career opportunities. This transformative course offers a thorough, intermediate to advanced curriculum rooted in the MAPS Medical Affairs Competency Framework. Led by seasoned executives in the field, this program will significantly enhance your expertise, amplify your leadership capabilities, and cultivate a strategic understanding of Medical Affairs that will truly accelerate your career even beyond Medical Affairs. Launching in spring 2026.

Why the Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program is essential?

Foundations delivers comprehensive, essential knowledge across all MAPS Medical Affairs Competency Framework domains. Participants will engage with a structured curriculum that covers the competencies necessary for success in Medical Affairs. Each domain is crafted to enable participants to understand the theories, best practices, and real-world applications that define effective medical communication and strategy.

The MAPS Medical Affairs Competency Framework is crucial for professional growth and success in Medical Affairs. The Foundations program offers more than just essential learning, it provides a structured and impactful development experience designed to:

  • Strengthen your ability to communicate scientific data effectively.  
  • Enhance decision making through evidence-based strategies.  
  • Deepen your understanding of regulatory, compliance, and business landscapes.  
  • Improve collaboration across functions and engagement with stakeholders.  

By the end of the program, participants will have a solid understanding of essential competencies, along with the confidence and knowledge needed to contribute more effectively to their teams.

What is the format of the Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program?

  • Seven Distinct Domains – Spans the full scope of Medical Affairs competencies.    
  • 42 Courses – Each lasting approximately 15 minutes for convenient, flexible learning.    
  • Expert Moderators – Each domain is guided by an industry leader, offering unique insights and perspectives.    
  • Convenient Learning – Hosted on a dedicated Learning Management System (MAPS eCademy) for seamless access, the program is entirely online and self-paced, allowing professionals to advance on their own schedule.    
  • Interactive and Engaging – No skipping ahead; learners must actively participate to progress.    

Who Should Enroll?

The Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program is ideal for:

  • Early Career Professionals: Those looking to build on their foundational experience and enhance their expertise in Medical Affairs. Whether you are at the beginning of your Medical Affairs journey or transitioning from another function, this program provides essential knowledge and practical applications necessary for thriving in your career.   

Enrollment Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for enrolling in the Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program. This open accessibility ensures that anyone with some background knowledge in Medical Affairs can participate and benefit from the program.

Is there an assessment at the end of each competency?

Participants will take multiple-choice questions after completing each competency within a domain to guarantee an understanding of the concepts covered. If a question is answered incorrectly, participants must retake it until they achieve the correct answer, ensuring a solid understanding of each competency.

Upon completion of all six competency courses in a domain, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for that domain. It is important to note that there is no overarching “Foundations in Medical Affairs” certificate, as the focus is on proficiency in specific competencies. 

The Seven Domains of the MAPS Medical Affairs Competency Framework

Below, you will discover the seven essential domains and the powerful skills you will accrue as you complete all included competencies.

competency Framework-2025

Take a Glimpse at the Details

The Strategy Domain is crucial for articulating the vision, value, and impact of Medical Affairs. This area of expertise reinforces essential capabilities, including the development of robust medical strategic and launch plans, the identification of actionable insights, and the execution of initiatives with operational excellence. By mastering these skills, you’ll be equipped to drive impactful and transformative results in the industry.

The Scientific and Technical Knowledge Domain provides essential insights into drug development, clinical trial design, and the key statistical and epidemiological concepts relevant to both pre-approval and post-approval phases. It highlights the strategic role of the Target Product Profile (TPP) and underscores the importance of regulatory agencies in ensuring drug safety and quality. By developing these competencies, you will be better prepared to analyze data effectively, interpret scientific literature, and support the safe and informed use of pharmaceuticals.

The Business Knowledge Domain focuses on understanding the financial and strategic frameworks that drive the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Professionals will learn to analyze key financial goals, evaluate healthcare systems, and understand reimbursement landscapes. By developing these skills, you will build a solid foundation in business principles, allowing you to navigate complex market dynamics with confidence and strategic insight.

The Evidence Generation Domain is vital for ensuring that actions, decisions, and policies are based on credible evidence, leading to effective, efficient, and equitable healthcare outcomes. Key competencies include integrated evidence planning, identifying data gaps, and utilizing real-world evidence alongside Health Economics and Outcomes Research. Prioritizing innovative evidence generation techniques and health equity is essential for advancing accessible healthcare for all.

The Customer Engagement and Scientific Communication Domain is essential for developing effective communication strategies, including scientific publications, medical education, digital engagement, and interactions with external stakeholders. By promoting meaningful scientific exchanges with healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders, and patients, Medical Affairs professionals ensure that accurate, evidence-based information reaches the appropriate audiences. By mastering these skills, you will help improve patient outcomes through informed decision-making and enhanced scientific dialogue.

The Leadership and Management Domain plays a vital role in impacting healthcare. It focuses on mastering diverse leadership models and effective communication within matrix teams, collaborating with key stakeholders like healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocacy groups. By nurturing talent, creating succession plans, and navigating challenges with agility, Medical Affairs professionals can significantly drive healthcare advancement and achieve meaningful results.

The Medical Governance and Compliance Domain is pivotal for effectively interpreting and applying regulations and industry codes of practice. These competencies encompass ethical considerations, risk mitigation strategies, and robust control frameworks. By prioritizing these elements, we strengthen our partnerships with healthcare professionals, patients, and other stakeholders to actively pursue innovative, patient-centered business opportunities in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment.

Click Here to View the MAPS Competency Framework
CMAP

Continuing education credits materials produced by Medical Affairs are rare in the industry. Our CMAP program is essential for achieving advanced proficiency in Medical Affairs and expanding your career opportunities while earning the valuable credits that many professionals in the field seek. Coming Soon!

Enroll Today!

Now that you have gained a thorough understanding of the Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program, the exciting next step in your journey is now yours to embrace. Take control of your professional development and advance at your own pace, all while benefiting from a rich and flexible learning experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself!

Complete the full course and unlock your FREE Medical Affairs textbook along with valuable Standards & Guidance Templates!


Explore the Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Overview

The Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program is an online, self-paced Medical Affairs training experience designed to provide early Medical Affairs professionals and those new to the field with the core knowledge and competencies essential for success in the field.

Participants who complete the course and pass the final Medical Affairs training assessment will receive an official MAPS Certificate of Completion. 

The Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program is not accredited by a third party, and therefore, no Continuing Education Credits are offered.

The Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program is designed to establish a global standard of foundational knowledge for professionals in Medical Affairs. As the field continues to evolve in scope, complexity, and strategic significance, there is a growing demand for comprehensive training. This Medical Affairs training provides professionals with the skills and understanding necessary for success in cross-functional, evidence-driven environments.

The Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program is founded on the MAPS Competency Framework, which includes 42 key Competencies across seven critical Domains. These Competencies are designed to address the complex challenges present in today’s Medical Affairs landscape.

The program was developed in collaboration with over 60 industry experts from leading pharmaceutical, MedTech, and partner organizations around the world and is based on real-world experience and insights. 

  • Professionals new to Medical Affairs 
  • Individuals transitioning into Medical Affairs from other functions (e.g., clinical, commercial, regulatory) 
  • Early-career professionals seeking a solid foundation in Medical Affairs 
  • Employers, executives, and MA leaders looking to onboard new Medical Affairs team members 
  • Medical Affairs professionals eager to enhance their expertise and stay at the forefront of the field by integrating the most current information and cutting-edge technologies.

Curriculum & Learning Experience

The program covers seven Domain Courses that span the full scope of Medical Affairs competencies.    

  • Strategy 
  • Scientific and Technical Knowledge 
  • Business Knowledge 
  • Evidence Generation 
  • Customer Engagement and Scientific Communication 
  • Leadership and Management 
  • Medical Governance and Compliance

The Foundations program is designed to be self-paced, enabling learners to move through the material at their own speed and revisit any modules as needed. On average, the program can be completed in about ten hours. It consists of seven Domain Courses, each containing six Competency Modules. Each module takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Yes, there is a final knowledge check after each module to assess your understanding of the course material. You must complete the knowledge checks before being able to move on to the next competency module.

Access & Enrollment

You can enroll directly on the Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program page. Click the “Enroll Now” button, which will redirect you to our Learning Management System, where you will be prompted to select a course and complete your registration and payment information.

Yes. The program is available globally and accessible online 24/7. All content is in English.

The program is available to both MAPS members and non-members. However, MAPS members benefit from discounted pricing. Please see the breakdown below.

Learn more about MAPS membership here. 

Individual Competency Modules:   

  • IPP Member: Free 
  • Members: $29 
  • Non-Member: $59 

 

Full Foundations in Medical Affairs Certificate Program: 

  • IPP Member: Free 
  • Members: $95 
  • Non-Member: $425 

 

We accept major credit/debit cards and corporate payments via the online registration system.

We have created a detailed tutorial video that demonstrates the Learning Management System and how to navigate it effectively for your first use. The tutorial video is coming soon.

Technical & Support Questions

The Medical Affairs training is hosted on a user-friendly, mobile-responsive Learning Management System that allows you to track progress, complete interactive modules, and access materials anytime.

No special software is required, but you will need: 

  • A reliable internet connection 
  • A computer or mobile device 
  • A modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) 

We prioritize the privacy and security of our users’ data. We want to assure you that your personal information will remain confidential and will not be sold or shared with any third parties. Your trust is important to us, and we are committed to protecting your data while you focus on your learning experience. 

Who can I contact if I experience issues accessing the course? 

Please Contact Support for technical assistance or course access issues. 

Our Volunteers Made Foundations Possible

Our dedicated team of volunteers has been instrumental in shaping the Foundations in Medical Affairs Certification Program. Their unwavering commitment and expertise have ensured that this program provides participants with the vital knowledge and skills required to thrive in the field of Medical Affairs. We are profoundly grateful for their time and talents in bringing this transformative program to life. [Note: Not all volunteers are featured in the photo below.]

April Adams, Rinat Ariely, Yi Arnold, Clare Baker, Isabelle Bocher-Pianka, Leona Blustein, Morgan Bowling, Deborah Braccia, Denise E. Chou, Kieran Davey, Adeola Davis, Evelyn DeSantis, Ivan Desviat, Jonathan Dixon, Jose Duarte, Brian Falcone, Jillian Gillespie, Anthony Greco, Ruth Haile-Meskale, Amanda Henkel, Andy Houck, Emily Howman, Marieke Jonkman, Stephen Kagan, Michael Kahn, Shaji Kalathil, David Kelaher, Gustavo Kesselring, Zohra Khan, Lisa Kholsa, Joseph Kohles, Gaston Kuperman, Bagrat Lalayan, Jenna Laybourne, Damian Largier, Maureen Lloyd, Pamela Lonzer, Gary Male, Pam Mason, Elena Mills, Diana Morgenstern, William Mwiti, Arron Mungul, Judith Nelissen, Ruth Nicholson, Tony Page, Fran Paradiso-Hardy, Bhavik Pandya, Kirtida Pandya, Eddie Power, Ralph Rewers, Matthew John Rice, Maryline Sabina, Jessica Santos, Roslyn F. Schneider, Tyler Sossong, Peter Stonier, Prasun Subedi, Melissa Toler, Joshua Vecht, Urvashi Vashee, Joris van Vugt, Stephanie Walsh, Angela Williams, Leah Williams. 

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