Program Description:
According to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board behavioral analysis is the study of behavior and learning. About Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the approach of influencing socially important behavior and the production of changing techniques to produce behavior change. The common services include conducting behavioral assessments, writing and revising behavior-analytical treatment plans, analyzing data, training others to implement components of treatment plans, and overseeing the implementation of treatment plans.
In this program, students will not only learn about the applied behavioral analysis but the process of developing behavior plans. A mock behavioral assessment will be part of the curriculum. These behavioral plans are used in the field mental health, recovery, school counseling, and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The Behavioral Analysis Certification Board (http://bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/160101-BCBA-BCaBA-task-list-fourth-edition-english.pdf ) has developed three sections for their requirement to be an approved Behavioral analysist. All requirements will be handed out to students in the program. The three requirements are basic behavior-analytic skills, client centered responsibilities, and foundational knowledge. The first one, basic behavior analytic skills look at practicing behavior analysis. These tasks represent basic commonly used skills and procedures. The second section, client-centered responsibilities includes tasks related to working with clients and how this should apply each situation. The final one, foundation knowledge, reinforces concepts that have previously been learned. These are the core components to the national exam that students will be potential to taking.
Learning Objectives:
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Demonstrate an understanding of behaviorist theory and behavior theory and behavior modification
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Apply research methods to behaviorism
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Identify the different types of instruments and their uses in the practice of psychological assessment
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Understand Ethical issues related to test selection, interpretation, reporting, and decision making
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Apply knowledge of descriptive statistics and research methods to test construction, standardization, administration, and interpretation.
Careers:
Behavioral Analysist work in homes, hospitals, clinics, classrooms and in any other setting where the goal is reducing problem behavior and improving individual improvements. Behavior analysts usually work as part of a team of professionals and provide expertise in the analysis of behavior problems to determine why they occur so that effective treatments can be developed. This process starts with an extensive and detailed baseline and functional assessment which looks at possible factors in the environment that may contribute to the occurrence of the behavior. Behavior analysts will then develop intervention plans based on these findings and train others to implement the treatment. Finally, the behavior analyst will evaluate the treatment to determine if it has been successful.
Behavior analysts often work as consultants to agencies such as child welfare organizations and residential treatment programs where their goal is to optimize the potential of the children or adults who receive their services. This may involve carefully analyzing the living environment to determine skills that the person can acquire to increase their independence and improve their access to the community. Then, the behavior analyst will develop a task analysis and effective training program to assist the person in acquiring the skill.
Job opportunities for Board Certified Behavior Analysts™ are abundant at this time. Demand is great with about four openings for each job applicant and currently salaries are comparable to other professionals in the human services. Recently reported ranges for new Master’s graduates are from $40-60,000. Work environments include schools, clinics, rehabilitation or residential facilities or workshops, client homes, and treatment agencies.
