You can improve the lives of people with behavioral and psychological disorders by pursuing a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Individuals with disorders and disabilities that impair their ability to function in daily life are assisted by ABA specialists. Similar to an applied behavior analyst, a board certified behavior analyst has undergone the necessary certification procedures.
What is a BCBA?
How is a BCBA different from an ABA?
The certification and level of education between a BCBA and an ABA therapist is one of the most significant distinctions. An ABA therapist does not hold the Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification that BCBAs do. Likewise, even though an ABA may have a master’s degree, many ABAs have bachelor’s degrees in psychological studies. In order to effectively deliver behavior therapy to kids and clients with autism spectrum disorders or other cognitive and behavioral disorders, an ABA therapist may also work under the supervision of a BCBA.
In order to provide behavior analysis and treatment more effectively, an ABA therapist may frequently work with patients one-on-one. ABA therapy is not just for people with autism spectrum disorders. A BCBA typically manages a caseload of several clients and collaborates with ABA therapists to deliver therapy services.
What does BCBA stand for?
BCBA is an acronym for Board Certified Behavior Analyst. An expert who works with autistic students as well as other students with exceptionalities and other cognitive disorders is a board certified behavior analyst. They are certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
A minimum master’s degree in their field is also required of BCBAs, as well as ongoing education to maintain their certifications.
How is a BCBA different from a CAS?
A BCBA is a specialty that focuses on behavior and analyzes and treats behavior associated with cognitive and behavioral disorders, which may include autism spectrum disorder. This indicates that a therapist may employ various techniques when creating a behavioral intervention plan for a patient who has a behavioral disorder.
A CAS (Certified Autism Specialist) focuses exclusively on autism. Additionally, a CAS may not approach working with autistic patients in a manner that is as behavior-focused. Additionally, CASs may be required to hold a master’s degree or higher. A CAS may typically be required to complete 14 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years in addition to their graduate degree by participating in professional development trainings, enrolling in online courses, or using other methods to earn the required certifications.
Where can a BCBA work?
A BCBA is frequently employed by public schools, private schools, or therapy clinics that focus on treating patients with autism, cognitive, and behavioral disorders. A BCBA may frequently collaborate with a variety of therapists, including ABAs and other BCBAs. A BCBA can supervise a group of therapists who work together to use successful techniques, behavior modification techniques, and intervention strategies for the services the practice offers.
A BCBA may work with a caseload of students with autism spectrum disorder or other behavioral and cognitive disorders in a classroom setting. Behavioral modification techniques may be used by the BCBA in collaboration with teachers to help treat students.
How to become a BCBA
By taking a series of actions to advance your education and earn the necessary certifications, you can become a BCBA. You might begin planning your career path when thinking about the BCBA field by investigating various educational options. Additionally, you can use the subsequent actions as a roadmap to begin your journey toward becoming a BCBA.
1. Complete a bachelors degree in behavior analysis
You must first finish a bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis or a closely related field. If you want to fulfill the requirements for the board certification, you might look into the colleges and universities in your area to see if they offer degree programs with a focus on behavior analysis, psychology, or education. These fields can be related to behavior analysis.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, you can apply to graduate programs in the same field, or if you specialized in one area, you might choose to branch out and earn a master’s degree in one of the related fields. For instance, if you chose to major in psychology for your undergraduate degree, you might think about switching to behavior analysis for your master’s degree.
2. Complete a masters degree in behavior analysis
The following step is to complete your master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field. While community colleges and other educational institutions may only offer programs up to the undergraduate level, universities frequently offer graduate programs. If you need to find a graduate program to finish your masters, you might look into this.
You have the option to complete a practicum or supervised fieldwork as you finish your program. The number of hours that must be completed varies depending on the program, and you might also need to have worked in the industry for a certain period of time to be eligible to take the certification exam.
3. Meet requirements to take certification exam
Meeting the requirements to take the board certification exam can be done in a number of ways. One option is to complete the necessary fieldwork hours while being supervised by a board-certified professional who will evaluate and offer feedback on the strategies and techniques you employ to complete your work. Working in the discipline of behavior analysis for a predetermined period of time after receiving your master’s degree is another way to satisfy the requirements. The Behavior Analysis Certification Board may alter the prerequisites, so you should carefully review them before registering for the exam.
4. Take and pass certification exam
You can take the certification exam after completing the requirements. You can obtain your certification by paying the necessary fees after passing the exam. You will be known as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst once you have obtained your certification. You might need to pay annual renewal fees each year you hold your certification in order to keep it current.
5. Meet requirements to maintain certification
To maintain your certification after obtaining it, you may be required to pay renewal fees in addition to obtaining board-approved continuing education credits. In order to keep their certification, BCBAs typically need to complete at least 14 CEUs (Continuing Education Credits) every two years.
It’s important to keep in mind that each field may have different requirements for maintaining your certification, even though there may be differences in credentials between BCBAs, ABAs, and CASs. You may want to look into the current specifications for your state and the Behavior Analysis Certification Board further. You can also keep up to date on new approaches and continuing coursework in the field because behavior analysis deals with an ever-evolving pedagogy.
FAQ
What is the difference between a BCBA and a psychologist?
A person receives applied behavior analysis therapy from an ABA therapist. A board certified person with training in behavior analysis is known as a BCBA. Often it is a BCBA who supervises individuals providing ABA. Neither ABA nor BCBA, by definition, is Autism specific.
Whats the most a Bcba can make?
Both fields involve the study of behavior, but behavior analysis is more focused and studies the various factors that can influence behavior, whereas psychology is more general.
Is it hard to become a Bcba?
Private practice BCBAs could make more than $100,000 annually. In high-demand areas, BCBAs may make more than $145,000 annually.
