Do you wonder what causes people to behave as they do? Would you like to turn this natural curiosity into a fulfilling career?
If so, keep reading. In this article, we'll explore what it means to be a behavior analyst and the education requirements to pursue this fascinating career path.
What Is a Behavior Analyst?
A behavior analyst is a professional who studies human behavior. There are many facets of this job that include:
- collecting data and creating graphs
- conducting research
- implementing solutions to improve behavior
Behavior analysts work in a wide variety of settings. Most are employed in schools and work with learning-disabled children; others may work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and even private residences.
Behavior analysts often face stress and discouragement in their job since it may seem like they are making little progress on improving the behaviors of troubled individuals.
On the flip side, however, even small breakthroughs and improvements can be exceptionally rewarding.
Since behavior analysts work in many different settings, the hours and specific job duties can vary widely. However, their primary purpose is to improve the lives of those they work with through behavior modification.
Are you interested in becoming a behavior analyst? Follow the steps below to pursue this career.
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree
Aspiring behavior analysts must receive the necessary education to begin working in this field. The first step is obtaining a bachelor's degree.
You can get this degree in a subject of your choosing, though most students choose to study psychology, social work, education, or some other related area.
Once you have completed your bachelor's degree, you'll want to enter a master's degree program. This is a good time to begin specializing. Many schools offer psychology master's degrees in applied behavior analysis.
If you can't find one of these programs that will work for you, consider earning a master's degree in psychology or social work.
If you already hold a master's degree in some other field, you may be able to enroll in a graduate certificate program for applied behavior analysis in order to achieve the necessary academic credentials.
Step 2: Gain Fieldwork Experience
This is a necessary step on your career and education path to getting certified as a behavior analyst. You will need to complete on-the-job training under the guidance of a behavior analysis mentor.
Often, this requirement is included in master's degree programs. If it isn't, you will have to seek out opportunities for supervised fieldwork yourself.
Usually, you would be paired with students in a school setting under the supervision of a board certified behavior analyst for an internship. Depending on your area of interest, you may be able to work in other settings as well.
Regardless of where you obtain your fieldwork experience, you will need to accumulate 1,500 to 2,000 clinical hours to sit for the certification exam.
This in-depth on-the-job training will expose you to the many challenges and interventions faced in the field of behavior analysis.
Step 3: Become Certified
Once you have completed all of your education and field training, you are ready to sit for the certification exam.
This examination is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. To apply for the test, you will need to submit a number of required documents such as proof of education, identity, and fieldwork experience.
Your test results will be available as soon as you complete the exam. If you pass, your status as a board certified behavior analyst will take effect immediately.
Step 4: Obtain a State License if Necessary
About 30 U.S. states require behavior analysts to become licensed to work within the state, so there's a decent chance you'll need to meet this requirement.
Among the states with licensing requirements, each will have different requirements. However, common requirements include being board certified, passing a background check, and having a valid driver's license.
If there are no licensing requirements in your state, you are free to begin looking for your first job. If your state requires a license, you will have to wait until you have received that license before you can start working as a behavior analyst.
Step 5: Complete Continuing Education
The field of applied behavior analysis is constantly evolving as new breakthroughs are discovered.
In order to maintain your certification, you'll need to complete continuing education. You'll also need to consistently comply with the code of ethics established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
If you do these two things, you'll be able to submit an application for recertification as necessary. This application must be completed every two years.
You may also need to renew your state license periodically. Check the requirements in your state for more specific information.
Become a Behavior Analyst Today
The field of behavior analysis is challenging but rewarding. If you think this might be the career for you, following the steps outlined in this article will help you reach your goal.
