Defining the Value of AMWA Certificates (Around the Career Block)

Among the variety of associations that offer certificates and certifications that medical communicators can obtain, AMWA offers certificates in 5 tracks of specialization. These include Essential Skills, Composition & Publication, Regulatory & Research, Business, and Concepts in Science and Medicine. Medical communicators can earn a certificate in any or all of these areas from AMWA by successfully participating in a defined number of educational workshops and/or self-study modules. Advanced workshops in these specialty areas are also becoming available for those who want additional training. However, how one defines the value of an AMWA certificate may not be as tangible as the cost to obtain it. Several AMWA members have learned that a certificate is valuable when seeking a career change, confirming knowledge and skills, enhancing credibility among peers or clients, and remaining up-to-date with industry practices and trends. In addition, a certificate can improve a job candidate's chances of securing a new job, according to some AMWA members who are hiring managers.