How to Become an ABA Therapist: The Complete Guide

So you want to become an ABA therapist? Great choice! Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an exciting and rewarding career path. As an ABA therapist, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to launch your career as an ABA therapist, from education requirements and certifications to skills, responsibilities, and more. Let’s get started!

What is an ABA Therapist?

First things first – what exactly is an ABA therapist?

ABA therapists are professionals who are trained to use the principles and techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis to teach new skills and reduce problematic behaviors in individuals with ASD, ADHD, and other conditions. The main goals of ABA therapy are to:

• Increase positive, helpful behaviors
• Teach new skills
• Reduce behaviors that may interfere with functioning and learning

As an ABA therapist, you’ll work directly with clients to provide highly personalized therapy based on their unique needs, abilities, and challenges. You’ll develop specialized treatment plans, provide positive reinforcement, collect data to track progress, and adjust interventions as needed.

It’s an incredibly rewarding career where you’ll get to see firsthand how ABA therapy helps empower clients and unlocks their potential.

Education Requirements to Become an ABA Therapist

To become an ABA therapist, you’ll need to complete specialized education and training. Here are the main education requirements:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree, preferably with coursework related to ABA therapy. Relevant majors include psychology, social work, education, behavioral science, or other fields focused on human development and behavior.

Make sure your program includes courses in subjects like developmental psychology, learning theory, behavior analysis, assessment, and intervention. Hands-on experience through internships or volunteering is extremely valuable as well.

Obtain ABA Therapy Certification

After earning your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to obtain official certification in ABA therapy. There are two main certification options:

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – This is an entry-level certification that requires at least a high school diploma, 40 hours of training in ABA principles, and passing the RBT exam. RBTs must work under the supervision of a BCBA.

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – This advanced certification requires a graduate degree in behavior analysis or related field, 1500+ hours of supervised experience, and passing the BCBA exam. BCBAs can work independently.

The BCBA credential is considered the gold standard for ABA therapists. However, RBT certification is a great way to start gaining experience under supervision.

Pursue a Graduate Degree (For BCBA)

To become a BCBA, you’ll need to earn a minimum of a master’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or social work. ABA-specific graduate programs provide extensive coursework and supervised field experience to prepare you for the BCBA exam.

Some states may also require ABA therapists to be licensed mental health counselors. Look into your state’s specific requirements.

ABA Therapy Certification Process

Here’s a more in-depth look at the certification process to become an RBT or BCBA:

RBT Certification

• Complete high school diploma/equivalent
• Complete 40-hour RBT training program
• Pass the RBT competency assessment
• Pass RBT exam with score of 80% or higher
• Renew certification annually

BCBA Certification

• Earn master’s degree in behavior analysis or related field
• Complete 225 hours of graduate-level coursework
• Complete 1500+ supervised fieldwork hours
• Take and pass the BCBA exam with score of 80% or higher
• Renew certification every 2 years with continuing education credits

It typically takes 2-3 years after graduation to meet all the BCBA requirements through a combination of graduate coursework and supervised practice.

Both the RBT and BCBA exams are administered through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Skills & Qualities of an Effective ABA Therapist

In addition to formal education, ABA therapists need certain skills and personal qualities to be successful:

• Communication skills – You’ll need to clearly explain concepts and treatment plans to clients, caregivers, and other professionals. Strong listening skills are crucial too.

• Problem-solving – Assess challenging behaviors and develop creative interventions based on each client’s needs.

• Patience – Work with clients through many small steps to achieve goals.

• Empathy – Understand clients’ unique perspectives and needs.

• Detail-oriented – Observe behaviors closely, collect meticulous data, and adjust treatment frequently.

• Teamwork – Collaborate closely with clients, caregivers, supervisors, and other therapists.

• Cultural competence – Respectfully work with diverse clients and families.

Developing expertise in ABA principles takes time. Working under an experienced BCBA supervisor allows you to refine your clinical skills and therapeutic approach.

Typical Work Settings & Schedule

As an ABA therapist, you can work in a variety of settings:

• Client homes
• Schools
• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Residential facilities

You may work as a direct employee or as an independent contractor. ABA therapy sessions are typically conducted one-on-one, in small groups, or in classroom settings.

Most ABA therapists work full time, including some evening and weekend hours to accommodate clients’ schedules. The job involves a mix of working directly with clients, developing treatment plans, completing progress notes, communicating with caregivers, and other administrative tasks.

Average Salary for ABA Therapists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in 2020 was $47,660. However, salaries can vary significantly based on:

• Certification level – BCBAs earn more than RBTs
• Experience – More seasoned ABA therapists command higher pay
• Location – Salaries are higher in major metro areas
• Work setting – Nonprofits may pay less than private clinics

With each year of experience, ABA therapists can advance their careers and earn higher salaries. BCBAs with 5+ years of experience can make $70,000 or more per year.

Steps to Becoming an ABA Therapist

If you’re ready to start your journey to ABA therapy certification, here is an overview of the steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree – Make sure to take relevant coursework.

2. Gain experience – Find a part-time job or internship working with children with ASD or other developmental disabilities.

3. Enroll in an ABA therapy certification program – Complete coursework and supervised fieldwork.

4. Take the RBT or BCBA exam – Certification allows you to begin practicing as an ABA therapist.

5. Apply for jobs at clinics, schools, hospitals, etc. – With RBT certification you’ll work under supervision of a BCBA.

6. Renew your certification – RBTs renew annually, BCBAs renew biennially with continuing education.

7. Advance your education – Consider earning a relevant master’s degree and pursuing BCBA certification.

The most direct path is to enroll directly in a combined bachelor’s and master’s ABA therapy certification program. However, alternate pathways are available if you already have a bachelor’s degree.

Daily Responsibilities of an ABA Therapist

As an ABA therapist, your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Conducting assessments to identify clients’ skills, behaviors, and treatment goals

• Developing personalized behavior intervention plans

• Leading one-on-one or small group therapy sessions focused on achieving goals

• Using positive reinforcement, modeling, and other ABA techniques to teach new skills

• Collecting data on clients’ behaviors and progress to inform treatment

• Training family members and caregivers on following the treatment plan

• Observing clients in a variety of settings, including home and school

• Updating progress notes, treatment plans, and reports

• Communicating with treatment team members and other professionals

• Staying current on new ABA research and best practices

The specific duties vary based on your work setting, client population, and whether you are working as an RBT or BCBA. But the core focus is always on providing compassionate, evidence-based ABA therapy tailored to the individual.

Why Become an ABA Therapist?

Pursuing a career as an ABA therapist is an incredibly rewarding choice. Here are just a few of the great reasons to become an ABA therapist:

• Make a difference – Improve quality of life for individuals with ASD/developmental disabilities

• Continually learn – ABA is a rapidly evolving field with new research constantly emerging

• Flexible work settings – Choose to work in schools, clinics, homes, hospitals, or private practice

• Competitive salary – ABA therapists are well compensated, especially once certified as BCBAs

• Rewarding work – Enjoy