If you’re looking for a job and a career, becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst might be the ideal path. You’ll get to help people and earn a nice living in the process.
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is someone who helps people with disabilities such as autism function better in the world. They work closely with clients to help them get the care they need. They also help create an overall plan that considers each client’s specific needs as they work with them. This is a rewarding and fulfilling profession where you can help people make significant life changes.
The Process
If you are wondering how to become a BCBA, you should know what it takes to become one before you do anything else. This is an education degree that can lead to lots of opportunities. Keep in mind it can take some time to get into the field. You’ll need years of training and lots of ability to master some challenging coursework. Applicants also need hands-on training in the field. They also need to pass licensing exams in order to join a practice or start one of their own.
Many Requirements
In order to begin, you’ll have to earn a bachelor’s degree to give you a grounding in the field. Experts recommend a major like psychology or biology to ensure you’re familiar with many medical terms you’ll need to know once you have a job. That takes four years. Then you need to earn a graduate degree with a major in applied behavioral analysis. This can take two years to complete. Some people choose to go full time while others hold down a job and complete the courses simultaneously. If you are looking for an institution that can train you to help you earn a BCBA certification, you can check out AppliedBehaviorAnalysisEDU.org
Additional Training
A bachelor’s and master’s degrees are only part of the training that all BCBA’s must complete to enter the field. Applicants must also spend time in the field learning the process firsthand. They are expected to have at least fifteen hundred hours of direct client experience under the supervision of a licensed therapist. Candidates with a background in a related field may be required to complete only a thousand hours of work to get their certification.
After that, you’ll need to pass an exam designed to indicate that you have mastered the basic knowledge. The exam consists of one hundred and fifty multiple-choice questions along with ten pilot questions. You’ll have four hours to complete it. After completing your undergraduate training, master’s degree, time in the field, and hours of work with clients, it’s time to apply for a state license. Licensing requirements can differ from state to state, so it’s important to know what you have to do in your state or the state where you plan to begin your career.
This is an option that can take a lot of time and effort. But it’s worth it.
