Medicines Australia

Course Overview and Objectives

The Medicines Australia Continuing Education Program (CEP) educates and prepares medical representatives of Australia to a recognised pharmaceutical industry standard. The online courses equip students with the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to efficiently and effectively carry out their responsibilities as medical representatives. The CEP is flexible – complete one or more of the programs at your own pace during the enrolled semester.

Who is the CEP for?

The CEP is primarily designed for medical representatives working within the prescription medicines industry, and recommended to those who may not be currently employed within the industry but would like to pursue a career as a medical representative. Our students include medical sales representatives, medical science liaison officers, clinical educators, pharmacists, nurses, marketing professionals, and other personnel working for organisations interacting with the pharmaceutical industry.

While anyone can enrol in any program, typically completion will fall into two categories:

Program 1 only – Program 1 is mandatory training for anyone involved in promoting, or providing education on, prescription medicines in Australia.

The Medicines Australia Code of Conduct requires some industry employees to complete Program 1. Any person who is directly involved in the development, review and approval of promotional materials and educational materials for the general public (this includes Product Managers, medical, marketing, field-based medical personnel or sales staff); or has direct interaction with healthcare professionals for the purpose of promoting a prescription product or providing medical or clinical education; whether part time or full time, must complete Program 1: The Medicines Australia Code of Conduct component of the endorsed Medicines Australia Continuing Education Program within the first twelve months of commencement of employment.

The full CEP – The full CEP (programs 1-6) is mandatory for all medical representatives entering the Australian prescription pharmaceutical industry for the first time.

The Medicines Australia Code of Conduct requires that all medical representatives entering the Australian prescription pharmaceutical industry for the first time, whether employed full time or part time, permanent or contracted must enrol in the Code of Conduct component of the endorsed Medicines Australia Continuing Education Program within the first six months of employment and must complete the full CEP program requirements for medical representatives within two years.

If you are unsure if you are required to complete the CEP, contact us at MedicinesAustralia.CEP@utas.edu.au

Course Structure

There are 6 programs that make up the Medicines Australia CEP, covering the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, the Australian Pharmaceutical and Healthcare industry, and programs on clinical science. A Bridging Program is also available covering the changes between the previous and current editions of the Code of Conduct.

The Bridging Program (Approx. 3-5 study hours) provides an overview of the revised Medicines Australia Code of Conduct (Edition 20), focused on the new provisions that have been introduced in the most recent Code of Conduct. This course is available for students who have previously completed Program 1 since 2020 (Edition 19).

The Medicines Australia Continuing Education Program is designed for flexibility. Students are able to complete programs at their own pace (within their enrolled semester), enrol in Continuing Education Programs any time in a semester (up until the last 4 weeks of the semester) and are permitted to enrol in a program before they have completed the previous one.

How do I get started?

Students can get started with their studies by visiting the UMORE iLearn Education Site https://www.pharm.utas.edu.au/iLearn and following the steps provided. Students who are enrolling in the Medicines Australia Continuing Education Program should consult with their Company Coordinator before attempting to enrol as an enrolment key may be required to enrol. Creating an iLearn user account gives you access to the iLearn Education Site only, students must enrol in each individual program as they progress through the course. Further information is available is available in the 'Getting started / first steps' section within the iLearn Education Site.

Assessment Schedule

The assessment schedule varies per program but summative assessment usually combines multiple choice module exams, open-book apply your knowledge and bonus application questions. Some programs require the submission of stimulus-response assignments and reflective assignments. Assessment is detailed in the course and assessment overview of each program.

Students obtain a minimum of 60 out of a possible 100 marks to pass each program.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning is available for CEP Programs 3, 4 and 6. Applications must be accompanied by copies of official documents, such as registration certificates and /or academic transcripts that support your claim of relevant prior learning. University level study must be within 10 years of the application date. Further information can be provided by the Helpdesk (see information below).

2026 Key Dates

2026 Program Fees^*

^*Please note that fees are invoiced, per program.

^† Our first short course is Foundations of Vaccine Immunology

Further Information

Should you require any further information regarding the Medicines Australia CEP, please email the Helpdesk at MedicinesAustralia.CEP@utas.edu.au or phone 1300 305 228.