Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a growing and rewarding field, with job skills that are highly transferable to other industries.
ABA uses the science of human behavior and principles of operant conditioning to shape behaviors over time. Once you start knowing what to look for, you can see the principles of ABA in effect EVERYWHERE in your daily life. That fitness tracker on your wrist; the points you earn from your credit card company; that annoying dinging noise when you don’t put your seatbelt on in your car – they are all shaping your behavior using the same strategies used in ABA therapy.
The professionals who work in the ABA field include researchers, physicians, and licensed clinicians, who work with children with developmental disabilities. An entry-level staff person in this field is generally called a behavior therapist or behavior technician (BT). Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) create and manage client programs and supervise BTs.
As published by the BACB, In 2012, there were 10,368 BCBAs in the United States; as of 2022, there are 54,223. That’s an 18% annual growth rate!
As the field of ABA grows, there has also been an increased demand for skilled BTs, who work one-on-one with children with developmental disabilities. In 2013, the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) created the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential, to create a standardized set of requirements and guidelines for individuals working directly with clients. Due to the high need for RBT providers, many ABA agencies will provide new employees with the required training, BCBA oversight, and compensation for acquiring an RBT credential.
An Expanding Field
Once credentialed, the field of ABA offers opportunities for professional growth and geographic flexibility, as all 50 states require some level of insurance coverage for ABA therapy as a treatment for autism. Moreover, the skills acquired working in ABA therapy can be transferred to many other professional job sectors, including education, corrections facilities, sports and fitness, brain injury rehabilitation, corporate training, HR, pediatrics, and the corporate sector.
Voices From the Field
“I started with Kyo in March 2015 as a Behavior Therapist,” says Ellen, a BCBA who leads talent operations at Kyo and began as a member of Kyo’s clinical staff. “My supervisors took the time to get to know me on a personal level, and I quickly fell in love with the impact we were making as a team. I was so inspired by my BCBAs that I started BCBA coursework myself. Since I started at Kyo, I have been a part of the training, recruitment, and regional leadership teams; there has never been stagnation in my professional development.”
In her current role at Kyo, Ellen recruits talented BCBAs and Regional Directors to join our team. She also leads our regional Talent Consultants and supports their efforts to maintain employee morale and performance.
“I have received so much support from Kyo’s leadership team throughout my years here,” Ellen says. “They have encouraged me to take breaks, take time off, and to give myself grace when I fall. This unwavering compassion and support of my well-being has helped mold me into the BCBA and woman I am today. It continues to bring me joy to share this same support and experience with the Kyo team.”
Kyo’s Commitment to Professional Advancement
Kyo is committed to building a workplace that boosts career advancement at all levels. If you’re curious about the growing field of ABA and are looking to expand your knowledge, we encourage you to contact us. We are eager to grow our team with therapists who are curious, compassionate, and humble.
If you are interested in joining our team, apply here.
If you are looking for information on how ABA strategies are used visit our Youtube channel.
You can also find more articles on a variety of ABA strategies here.
