#bcbastudent

What do I need in terms of education? 

What jobs are available out there? 

Who do we work with in this science?

Hopefully, you’ve already got an idea, though I’ll cover these in a future post. For those who know who we want to work with or are just ready to jump right in, here is what you need to go to get started. Please note that you should still read the direct requirements and guidelines for education + supervision from the official BACB site. This post is only meant as a simple breakdown, coupled with personal experience. I hope to answer questions that sometimes slip through the cracks in this process so it’s easier to understand. But as always, please contact the BACB with serious questions!

1. You need higher education. 📚

RBT Certification (High School level +)

If you are interested in working in a clinical branch of this field (i.e. Early intervention, ABA therapy for children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), or gerontology), you’re probably going to need to gain RBT certification. This represents Registered Behavior Technician, which is a 40 hour long training program that includes being supervised by a BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst) or a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). This level of training can be taken by anyone that has acquired a High School Degree or higher, and is typically offered on-the-job by most agencies. In fact, very soon RBT certification may be required at most places you will work at, due to insurance reasons. This is also available for a reasonable price online independently, however you will still require some on-the-job form of supervision as these hours will allow you to sit for the exam to get the cert. 

BCaBA (Undergraduate level / Bachelors level +)

This level of certification allows you to work in higher level behavior analytic services, while under the supervision of BCBAs. You however, are able to supervise those under you (Behavior Technicians/Therapists & RBTs) who are implementing behavior analytical services. This is usually offered at college/universities both online and in-person and require you to acquire a certain number of supervision hours in conjunction with your studies. Some people do this during their bachelors, but it can be done after. Some people will go onto keep their BCaBA even if they later pursue a masters or PhD. A BCaBA can help a BCBA with caseload, offering almost the same work as a BCBA, but must work under the BCBA’s supervision in everything. With that said, this is a great gateway into the field if you are not ready to pursue a graduate level program or want to be able to work at this level only.

BCBA (graduate level / Masters level +)

This is the highest level in the applied field. It requires that you complete a graduate level program or a graduate level degree within the subjects of Psychology and/or Applied Behavior Analysis. (Please see BACB site for specific degrees accepted). Many who go onto become a BCBA may already have a graduate degree in something close to the field (Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Therapy, etc) and take a graduate level certificate program. This level also requires that you complete a program coupled with supervision by another BCBA or BCBA-D level practitioner who is able to supervise.

Can you do an ABA course program completely online?

YES. Many high-quality and even affordable programs exist where you can take the course sequence entirely online. Some course programs are hybrid courses as well, where you can get some on-site courses and take others online. This allows for people who are working full-time or have families to be able to attend. Additionally, many on-site programs offer cohorts that take the program in a sequence at either morning schedule or evening schedule so you can choose according to your work/life/family schedule!

PLACES THAT OFFER ABA PROGRAMS

First off, let’s make sure that the ABA programs that you want to consider are BACB approved course sequences. Luckily, most if not all do have this down pat. But be sure, when you are researching schools’ programs, that you see the approval information on their site. You can also check out approved school programs through BACB’s site. 

Here are on-site and online programs that offer ABA education programs> 

2. You need supervision 👩🏻‍🏫

Here’s the biggin. And this is where most questions and complications begin to happen. You may already had known that supervision hours are required, and this means you will either acquire this one of these ways:

On-Site: On-Site will be at a facility, agency, or in-home company that offers ABA services.

Online/Remote: Working directly with clients in a school, facility, agency, or in-home under the remote (online) supervision of a BCBA or BCBA-D who works with you via video/phone/online.

Depending on your location, your current type of work or where you want to work will determine what kind of supervision you will gain. You will either gain supervision through your on-site university program (they typically have a program to help place you with an on-site facility that will train you/supervise you/and pay you while you work on-site), or through your own job. 

What kind of jobs will you be able to be supervised on?

ANSWER: Anything that is behavior analytical in nature. What do I mean by this? You will learn about the 7 dimensions of ABA soon enough, but to keep to the point - this will be any place in which you ARE indeed implementing ABA services. This means if you work in a school or facility with children or adults who are receiving behavior/therapy programming by a BCBA. If you are a teacher or volunteer who has the opportunity to work with a child or adult who requires/needs these services and are not receiving them currently, you may be able to get the opportunity with a remote BCBA. This will be something you have to discuss with your supervisor/boss, the remote BCBA and the potential client’s family. Note: you cannot get supervision for doing any job. It MUST be behavior analytical in nature.

PRO Tip: When consulting with a remote BCBA about this option, they will explain what is possible. Do not be afraid to ask!

How much supervision will I need? 

This is where you have to look up the guidelines of supervision at BACB. They have a chart and guide that shows you how many hours you must gain and by what time.

How long will getting supervision take me to complete?

It all depends on how many hours you work each week. The minimum hours you can gain a week are 10 hours direct, and the max is 30 hours direct. It can take anywhere from 1 year to 3 years. Some people work on their hours on or off while others wait until they’re done with their ABA programs.

PROTip: Try to gain some amount of hours during your programs, as the coursework will become more applicable and memorable for you. It’s the best way to get training. You need hands-on experience to be a competent practitioner in this field and waiting until after your program will be a terrible waste of quality learning time.

When CAN I start supervision?

You can start after you begin your ABA coursework. Even if you begin one course, you can start. You CANNOT, I repeat, CANNOT gain hours before you start. It can only begin after you start coursework.

PROTip: Start looking at local jobs in your area hiring for behavior technicians, or look for remote BCBA’s in forums or groups on sites like Facebook. Do this once you’ve been accepted into a program or are starting your first course. There are many competent practitioners who can direct you to someone qualified to do this or know of a job that might be offering supervision in your area!

3. You need to get organized 🗂

One of the most important part of your job will be to create systems and programs that create efficiency, learning opportunities, and growth. The best place to start is with yourself. When you begin your ABA program, having a highly organized schedule, calendar, and work routine will be key to keep your supervision on track, your education up to part, and yourself from going crazy. This is especially important if you are already a working adult and/or parent!

PROtip: Get yourself a binder and organize your supervision documents, all study materials, schedules, and important content that you’ll need throughout this process.

4. You need to stay on top of your studies ✏️📆

This field can be overwhelming and at first, the courses may make you feel like your brain is about to melt. Eventually it does in fact not only get easier but very interesting. Problem is, juggling studies with work, supervision (especially if this is being done in addition to your current job), and family life might suffer. To make sure it doesn’t overwhelm you, you need to create a schedule for yourself and set up your devices to remind you when big projects, exams, homework, supervision work and even your family meals are due. My friend, we will delve into this in my next post. For now, find what works for you. What prompts in your real life will help you remember when to study? When your next class is? When your supervisor needs that progress report? Do this and you will very much succeed.

5. You need to take care of yourself  🍷🏝

Throughout this process, there are likely going to be times when you WILL feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or ready to throw in the towel. DON’T. Remember to take moments (schedule this if you have to!) to take care of your own mental and physical well-being. Schedule breaks in between studying. Schedule time in your week to do something you love and pretend you’re not in school and don’t work. This is essential to anyone who wants to work in this field, as you will be obtaining large responsibilities that may involve the care and well-being of others.

6. You need to remember that ABA is a SCIENCE 📉