Charlebois, Mikaela - Behaviour Analyst
From What can you do with a degree in psychology?
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| Behaviour analysts study behaviours. In this career, one is expected to assess, study and implement plans for behavioural problems, taking into consideration the environment and circumstances that the behaviour occurs. They may take a research approach in the area of applied behaviour analysis, or they may take more a professional approach applying today’s commonly believed theories <ref>About Our Program. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.brocku.ca/social-sciences/departments-and-centres/centre-for-applied-disability/future-students/about-our-programme</ref>. The study of behaviour may be applied to many different fields such as disabilities, human resources, or violence. | Behaviour analysts study behaviours. In this career, one is expected to assess, study and implement plans for behavioural problems, taking into consideration the environment and circumstances that the behaviour occurs. They may take a research approach in the area of applied behaviour analysis, or they may take more a professional approach applying today’s commonly believed theories <ref>About Our Program. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.brocku.ca/social-sciences/departments-and-centres/centre-for-applied-disability/future-students/about-our-programme</ref>. The study of behaviour may be applied to many different fields such as disabilities, human resources, or violence. | ||
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| Job duties involve performing behavioural assessments and developing behavioural intervention plans, while outlaying possible treatment options. They may also implement this behaviour plan and would consistently monitor the patient’s progress. Depending on the organization, a behaviou analyst may create programming for the organization as a whole. A behaviour analyst often oversees and trains other individuals who may take a part in implementing the behaviour plan. | Job duties involve performing behavioural assessments and developing behavioural intervention plans, while outlaying possible treatment options. They may also implement this behaviour plan and would consistently monitor the patient’s progress. Depending on the organization, a behaviou analyst may create programming for the organization as a whole. A behaviour analyst often oversees and trains other individuals who may take a part in implementing the behaviour plan. | ||
Revision as of 22:51, 26 March 2015
Contents |
Job Title
Behaviour Analyst
General overview
When working with individual's with exceptionalities outside of an Educational Assistant, Special Needs Teacher or Communicative Assistant roles, there are two general directions you can go in after achieving your bachelor's degree. You can seek a diploma in a college level Autism and Behavioural Sciences course and become a Behaviour Technician, or you can complete a Master's in Disabilities Studies and become a Behaviour Analyst.
Behaviour analysts study behaviours. In this career, one is expected to assess, study and implement plans for behavioural problems, taking into consideration the environment and circumstances that the behaviour occurs. They may take a research approach in the area of applied behaviour analysis, or they may take more a professional approach applying today’s commonly believed theories [1]. The study of behaviour may be applied to many different fields such as disabilities, human resources, or violence.
Job duties and responsibilities
Job duties involve performing behavioural assessments and developing behavioural intervention plans, while outlaying possible treatment options. They may also implement this behaviour plan and would consistently monitor the patient’s progress. Depending on the organization, a behaviou analyst may create programming for the organization as a whole. A behaviour analyst often oversees and trains other individuals who may take a part in implementing the behaviour plan.
Typical work day
There are a variety of work settings possible for a behaviour analyst, including schools, treatment centres, private practices and hospitals. Typical tasks for a behaviour analyst include designing, implementing and supporting education and behavioural programs, participating in the assessment and data analysis of said programs and assisting with intervention and therapeutic program evaluations [2]. Educational requirements and other qualifications Possession of a minimum of a master's degree from an accredited university that was (a) conferred in behaviour analysis, education, or psychology, or (b) conferred in a degree program in which the candidate completed a Behaviour Analyst Certification Board approved course sequence. BACB Coursework: The applicant must complete 225 classroom hours of graduate level instruction in the following categories: Ethical considerations, definition & characteristics and principles, processes & concepts, behavioural assessment and Selecting intervention outcomes & strategies, experimental evaluation of interventions, measurement of behaviour and displaying & interpreting behavioural data, behaviour change procedures and Systems support, discretionary behaviour-analytic content [3]. BACB Experience: Option of one of the three listed below Supervised independent fieldwork; supervises must complete 1500 hours of Supervised Independent Fieldwork in behaviour analysis. Practicum; supervises must complete, with a passing grade, 1000 hours of Practicum in behaviour analysis within a university practicum program approved by the BACB and taken for graduate academic credit. Intensive practicum; supervises must complete, with a passing grade, 750 hours of Intensive Practicum in behaviour analysis within a university practicum program approved by the BACB and taken for graduate academic credit.
Related skills, interests, and abilities
Experience working with individuals with autism is a well-sought after skill in this profession. Data analysis, functional analysis and clinical supervisions are other related skills [2]..
Relevance of Psychology undergraduate degree
In order to become a Behaviour Analyst, you must have completed an undergraduate degree in psychology or a similar discipline, combined with a BACB course approved Master’s degree or equivalent. This is a requirement as many of the topics covered in a Psychology undergraduate degree will help you throughout further training and throughout one's career. Brock offers a variety of courses that will build an exceptional foundation for one looking to get into this field. An individual in this program will take a variety of courses, all of which contributing in different ways. In second year, Brock offers a course on Learning [4], in which different theories of learning, reinforcement and punishment are studied. These concepts will later be used in implementing behaviour plans when tackling difficult behaviours or creating new habits. Another very valuable course for this career path is Psychology of the Exceptional Child [4]. This course focuses on varying disabilities as well as other struggles a child may go through, such as psychiatric disorders or being exceptionally smart.
Brock also offers a service learning credit that a psychology major can choose to take as a minor, that involves you with their Special Needs Activity Program. Through this program, the student is able to interact with children with exceptionalities and work with them through a movement program based on curriculum created at Brock. This gives hands on experience of working with children of this population, and allows the student to utilize the skills they have learned through their other psychology courses.
Salary potential
Salary ranges from $38,723 - $75,174 in the United States, with a median of $54,279 [2]..
Job outlook
The field of ABA is currently a growing industry, but there is a problem with the services being provided. Many people claim that they can deliver ABA and some countries do not regulate consultants, leaving families vulnerable and potentially not receiving the level of treatment that they except [5]. This has lead to an increasing number of jobs available for Certified Behaviour Analysts throughout North America and a critical shortage of qualified personnel. Many positions are available for providing therapeutic and consultation services, as well as supervising interventions, research and program evaluation [6].
To know more
Brock’s Centre for Applied Disabilities Website - Master’s Information http://www.brocku.ca/social-sciences/departments-and-centres/centre-for-applied-disability/future-students/about-our-programme Behaviour Analyst Certification Board http://www.bacb.com/
References
- ↑ About Our Program. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.brocku.ca/social-sciences/departments-and-centres/centre-for-applied-disability/future-students/about-our-programme
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Board Certified Behaviour Analyst Salary (United States). (2014). Retrieved from http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Board_Certified_Behavior_Analyst/Salary
- ↑ Standards for Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.bacb.com/index.php?page=158
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Brock Undergraduate Calendar, 2014-2015, (2014). Psychology. Retrieved on March 26, 2015 from, http://www.brocku.ca/webcal/2014/undergrad/psyc.html#PSYC_2P45
- ↑ Wertz, S. (2012). Why Choose a Board Certified Behavior Analyst? Retrieved from http://www.autism-programs.com/articles-on-autism/why-choose-a-certified-behavior- analyst.htm
- ↑ About Our Program. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.brocku.ca/social-sciences/departments-and-centres/centre-for-applied-disability/future-students/about-our-programme
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