What Does a BCBA Do?

A child receiving ABA therapy interacts with different kinds of professionals trained to give them the support they need. One of the highest levels of expertise in ABA Therapy is behavior-analytic intervention and supervision, which is essentially what a BCBA is qualified to do.

What is a BCBA?

BCBAs are experts in behavior analysis, which is the science of human behavior. They analyze behavior and implement behavior-analytic interventions. The ABA therapy programs they create for individuals with autism are typically implemented by behavior technicians or RBTs. 

What Does a Behavior Analyst Do?

Let’s dive into the common BCBA duties in the context of autism therapy. In general, they adhere to a strict set of ethical standards to ensure the highest level of patient care.

A BCBA job description typically includes:

• Meet with clients to observe and assess their behavior and look out for communication, social, and daily living challenges.
• Create realistic goals and objectives according to their observations, building upon their strengths and addressing areas of weakness.
• Create individualized ABA programs tailored to the learner’s unique strengths, needs, and challenges. 
• Keep up to date with the latest techniques, findings, and methods within the ABA therapy field.
• Train, supervise, and instruct other ABA professionals with lower levels of certification such as Board Certified assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) and Registered Behavior Technician (RBTs). 
• Collaborate with other professionals (i.e., psychologists, doctors, speech therapists teachers, psychiatrists).
• Write session notes and other clinical documentation.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the treatment plan and evaluate whether or not the child is making progress toward the targeted treatment goals.
• Revise treatment plans as needed to ensure sustainable progress.
• Work with children in ABA clinics, clients’ homes, schools, or other community settings.

BCBA Qualifications

There are four main requirements for BCBA certification:

1. Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree.  

The bachelor’s degree doesn’t have to be related to behavioral analysis field, but the master’s degree has to be in line with applied behavior analysis, psychology, or education approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

2. Complete the required coursework.

If the master’s program does not include a qualifying practicum, the candidate has to acquire 2000 hours of supervised and independent fieldwork. 

3. Pass the BCBA exam.

It’s a four-hour exam with 160 multiple-choice questions covering topics like behavior change considerations, basic behavior analytic skills, and client-centered responsibilities. 

4. Maintain BCBA certification

To adhere to high standards of practice, BCBAs need to fulfill Continuing Education Units (CEUs) requirements to keep them informed about the latest developments in ABA. The requirement is 36 CEUs every two years. One CEU is equivalent to one hour of participation in an approved continuing education activity like post-secondary degree programs, professional certifications, independent study, professional events, volunteering, extension courses, etc. 

Where Do Behavior Analysts Work?

More than 70% of behavior analysis work with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), overseeing the implementation of ABA therapy programs. However, BCBAs can also work with other populations in other settings. Anyone with an ABA degree can work as counselors, therapists, entrepreneurs, special education teachers, social workers, researchers, and other roles that hinge on human behavior. 

BCBA Career Path

Here are other common career paths of BCBAs:

• Education- Some BCBAs become dual certified as teachers, working as professors or district BCBAs.
• Parent Education and Support- Some BCBAs work directly with parents, offering parent training services and equipping them with knowledge and skills in behavior management, positive reinforcement, and communication & social skills development among other key strategies.
• Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)— BCBAs can also work as OBM specialists helping organizations assess and modify employee performance and the overall workplace culture. 
• Fitness and Wellness-  Some behavior analysts work in the health and fitness niche, using the principles of behavior to promote overall health, fitness, and well-being.
• Brain Injury Rehabilitation- Those suffering from brain injury experience changes in their behavior and cognitive functioning, and a BCBA can help develop behavior intervention plans to address possible maladaptive behaviors.
• Behavioral Gerontology-  Aging adults commonly experience cognitive decline. BCBAs can help assess the underlying causes and develop tailored intervention strategies to manage them.
• Clinical Behavior Analysis-  This is mainly for supporting mental health needs including anxiety, depression, and stress reduction.
• Substance Abuse- Behavioral analysts can help identify the internal and environmental factors that contribute to addiction and can develop appropriate coping mechanisms that can help recovering individuals manage cravings and triggers without resorting to substance use.
• Behavioral Pediatrics- Children with emotional, developmental, and behavioral challenges can benefit from the expertise of a behavioral analyst. Besides autism, BCBAs can also support children with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Down Syndrome, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, and even sleep disorders.

ABA professionals continue to be in high demand with expanding career opportunities. The job growth for BCBAs is projected to increase by at least 20% over the next decade. As autism awareness increases and more children get officially diagnosed, the demand for BCBAs will continue to grow in both educational and therapeutic settings. Plus, ABA therapy has been recognized as the gold standard in autism treatment. BCBA roles will become indispensable across various settings.

 If you’re a parent looking for the best ABA therapy provider with the most qualified BCBAs, get in touch with Astra ABA. Our behavioral analysts bring a wealth of expertise, compassion, and individualized care to the families we serve in North Carolina and Indiana.

If you’re a BCBA looking to be a part of a passionate and supportive team, join our Astra ABA family and enjoy ongoing professional development and growth opportunities. 

‍Get in touch today and let’s transform children’s lives together!

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