BOARD-CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST: Behavior Analysts, and their importance to the therapy process
Many students have found great satisfaction in getting the education they need to work as a Board-certified Behavior Analyst. Applied behavioral analysis (or ABA) is becoming quite a prestigious profession. The practice of behavior analysis is the professional implementation of interventions to consumers that are guided by the principles of behaviorism and the research of both the experimental analysis of behavior and applied behavior analysis. ABA has become popular for many reasons. A primary reason for the popularization of ABA is the well-documented successes in helping children with autism learn skills that are more adaptive to their environment. Though ABA is often utilized in cases of early intervention for young clients, it can be effectively implemented throughout the lifespan and for varied populations. Applied behavior analysts have been known to work with such diverse populations as autism, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and the elderly population.
More and more states license the Behavior Analyst profession.
Credentialed behavior analysts serve a very important role in the following tasks: working as case managers; designing and modifying treatment plans; analyzing behaviors and environmental influences; and ensuring that professional interventions for clients are performed in a consistently ethical manner.
Behavior analysts may be employed by traditional institutions or be self-employed.
More and more states are licensing the profession. Behavior analysts have the option of pursuing Board-certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (http://bacb.com). A Board-Certified professional will also complete a supervised practicum requirement and pass an examination. It remains important for behavior analysts to consistently adhere to the BACB code of ethics: (http://bacb.com/ethics-code).
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS
A Master’s level education is crucial for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Prospective behavior analysts may complete degrees specifically in behavioral analysis; or they may qualify with degrees in education, or psychology, provided that they also have the required coursework. Many schools offer the Approved Course Sequence (ACS). A candidate who wants non-ACS coursework to be considered must submit an application for coursework evaluation.
This promising career of behavior analysis is presently being offered by several schools that offer Master’s degrees specifically in applied behavior analysis.
Check out this link: (http://www.apbahome.net/about.php).
One viable program is at Penn State.
Penn State Offers Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Study and Practicum
This 18-credit, five-course sequence is designed for people who seek advanced knowledge in the field of applied behavior analysis. The curriculum is intended to prepare you to sit for the BCBA certification examination sponsored by the BACB.
The program consists of five online courses plus one face-to-face course. This is a weeklong seminar held every August at Penn State University Park in conjunction with the National Autism Conference.
Go to this link for this very exciting program: http://www.gradschool.psu.edu/apply/
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst will have, at the minimum, 270 hours of instruction in Board-mandated areas. The following represents many of the requirements:
- 45 hours of Principles of behavior analysis
- 45 hours of Ethical and professional conduct
- 45 hours of Elements and procedures of behavior change
- 30 hours of Problem identification and assessment
Included on the following list are many of the techniques being taught that have proven important to the profession:
- Modeling and imitation training
- Shaping and chaining
- Prompts and fading
- Positive and negative reinforcement
- Self-management strategies
- Augmentative communication
- Incidental teaching
- Token economies
REQUIREMENTS
The Behavior Analysis Certification Board can accept 1,000 hours of practicum or 750 hours of intensive practicum. Approval by the BACB is required for acceptance of practicum experience. Prospective students who do not complete practicum experiences through their schools can qualify on the basis of supervised work experience (will need to be a full 1,500 hours). The BACB maintains a registry to help candidates find the right professionals to supervise their practice.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts offers a link to state licensing boards and professional organizations: (http://www.apbahome.net/APBALicensure.php). Many states have their own APBA chapters. This is an excellent resource.
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