How to Become A Behavior Analyst: Overview

If you’re looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, then consider becoming a behavior analyst. This profession offers many opportunities to help people improve their lives. But how do you become a behavior analyst? In this blog post, we will discuss the steps involved in becoming a BCBA. We will also provide information on what to expect in this career field. So if you’re interested in learning more about how to become a behavior analyst, read on!

What is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst?

A board-certified behavior analyst is someone that provides behavior analysis research methods to people. This may be done in a variety of settings, such as:

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Clinics
• Government

The work that a behavior analyst does is important because it can help individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and other mental health conditions improve their quality of life. There are many different paths that you can take to become a behavior analyst. In this article, we will outline some of the most common routes people take to enter this field.

The History Of Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis was first discovered in the late 19th century by Edward Thorndike. However, it was not until the 1950s that behavior analysts began to apply these principles to humans. In 1968, B.F. Skinner published his book “The Technology of Teaching”, which outlined how operant conditioning could be used to teach people new skills.

The FBI also began researching applied behavior analysis in the 1970s as a way to train their agents. This was brought on by one agent named John E. Douglas, who used behavior analysis to profile serial killers. He did this by observing the killers’ behavior and using this information to develop a profile of how they thought and operated.

In the 1980s, behavior analysis began to be used more in clinical settings to treat disorders such as autism and ADHD. And in the 1990s, Congress passed legislation recognizing behavior analysis as a distinct profession.

So how do you become a behavior analyst? Let’s take a look at BCBA Certification.

How To Get Started With The Behavior Analyst Certification Board

One way to become a behavior analyst is to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. After you have completed your undergraduate degree, the next step to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst is to earn a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field.

Most master’s programs have education requirements for continuing education and training, as well as an internship or practicum. Once you have your degree, you’ll need to complete supervised experience working with clients. After that, you’ll need to pass the BCBA exam.

Once you have completed your master’s degree, you can apply to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. The BCBA exam is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). To be eligible to take the BCBA exam, you must have a minimum of a master’s degree, as well as complete supervised experience working with clients.

You can find more information about how to become a behavior analyst on the BACB website. There, you’ll also find information about how to maintain your certification, as well as how to renew it every two years.

Other Behavior Analytic Courses Besides BCBA Requirements

Many behavior analysts earn an above-average income by being a certified behavior analyst (BCBA) but a BCBA certification exam isn’t the only educational services available. Simmons highly respected program for certification candidates gives faculty teaching opportunities to earn an annual stipend in addition to their salary.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB) offer a variety of resources for behavior analysts. The ABAI accredited graduate program provides information about how to become a behavior analyst and how to find employment opportunities.

Continuing Education For a Better Job Outlook

You can become a board-certified behavior analyst in as little as two years. However, the average time it takes to complete the necessary steps is closer to four years. If you’re looking to start your own practice or work in a private setting, you may want to consider getting your doctoral degree.

While a doctorate isn’t required to become a behavior analyst, it can give you an edge in the field. It can also open up more opportunities for research and teaching.

If you’re interested in becoming a behavior analyst, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the field. You can do this by reading articles, books, and research papers on the subject. You can also attend conferences and workshops.

Other Careers For Applied Behavior Analysis

Depending on your graduate program, there are many different opportunities for aspiring behavior analysts.

Clinical Psychologist:

A licensed or registered psychologist can implement behavior analytic interventions with professional conduct concepts. Ethical and professional conduct principles are essential in this field to protect both the clients and practitioners. Professional behavior analysts have a lot of knowledge of human behavior which makes this career an easy transition. The main responsibility of a clinical psychologist is to provide mental health services to individuals, families, and groups.

???? – Education: Typically a bachelor’s degree is common for this career or a behavior analyst degree with continuing education in the field.

???? – Salary: The average salary per year for a clinical psychologist is $85,000.

???? – Job Description: The job description for this career includes conducting psychological evaluations, interpreting test results, developing treatment plans, and providing therapy.

Assistant Behavioral Analyst:

Many board-certified assistant behavior analysts get supervised independent fieldwork and supervised hours in their relevant field from a qualified supervisor. This is usually a behavioral analyst that specializes in behavior therapy. Supervised fieldwork consists of work done in the area of behavior analysis under the supervision of a board-certified behavior analyst. The main responsibility involves behavior analytic coursework to gain supervised practical experience.

???? – Education: A bachelor’s degree, as well as behavior analysis licensure, are required to become a behavior analyst. There are many online and campus-based programs available that offer behavior analysis courses. Many of these courses can be found at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

???? – Salary: The average salary for an entry to a senior-level behavior analyst is between $50,000-$100,000.

???? – Job Description: A behavior analyst is responsible for designing and conducting behavior analytic research, as well as teaching and supervising others in how to do so. They also work with individuals with developmental disabilities to assess their needs and create treatment plans.

Occupational Therapist:

A board-certified behavior analyst can take applied behavior analysis skills and knowledge and specialize them in a certain area. One of those is being an occupational therapist in professional psychology. The main responsibility of an occupational therapist is to help patients with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or physical injury learn how to live independently. Many times this includes teaching them how to cook, clean, do laundry, and take care of themselves in other ways.

???? – Education: A bachelor’s degree is most common for this career as well as some professional experience, clinical training, and practical experience.

???? – Salary: The average salary per year for an occupational therapist is $84,950.

???? – Job Description: The job description for this career typically includes providing therapy to patients, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with other members of the healthcare team.

Independent Practioner:

Independent practitioners provide behavior analytic services for behavioral and cognitive psychology, as well as for education, business, and other settings. Some behavior analysis online programs offer a specialization in independent practice. The main responsibilities include designing behavior-change programs, conducting assessments, writing reports, and collaborating with other professionals.

???? – Education: The graduate degree required for an independent practitioner is a Ph.D. or PsyD in behavior analysis or a related field.

???? – Salary: The average salary per year for an independent practitioner is $90,000.

???? – Job Description: The job description for this career path includes conducting research, designing behavior-change programs, writing reports, and collaborating with other professionals.

Check Out Job Listings For Behavior Analysts Near You:

Network! Network! Network!

The sky is the limit when it comes to careers in behavior analysis! The best way to find out what’s right for you is to explore your options and talk to other professionals in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, the median salary for a psychologist is $75,230 per year.

The job outlook for applied behavior analysis is expected to grow by 21% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Registered behavior technicians are also another growing occupation with applied behavioral analysis.