Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist Jobs & Career Guide 2024
What Is an ABA Therapist?
Applied Behavior Analysis therapists administer treatment designed to improve social, communication, and listening skills in people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
ABA therapists work under the direction of a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and with the help of a registered behavior technician (RBT), also known as a paraprofessional.
Learn more about other behavioral health jobs.
BCBAs build treatment plans for ABA therapists to administer, and RBTs assist the therapist in providing and monitoring the treatment.
ABA therapists mainly treat children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but also help teenage and adult patients with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and more.
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Complete training in ABA therapy
ABA therapy is a highly specialized field that requires specific training and certification. You can complete training in ABA therapy through an accredited program, such as those offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
Here are some key elements of ABA therapy training:
- Coursework: ABA therapy training typically involves coursework in behavior analysis, ethics, and practical applications of ABA therapy.
- Supervised experience: To become certified as an ABA therapist, individuals must complete a certain number of hours of supervised experience working with clients with autism and other developmental disabilities. The number of hours required varies depending on the level of certification being pursued but spans from 750 hours to 2000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
- Ethics and professionalism: ABA therapy training emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and professionalism in working with clients and their families.
- ABA techniques and interventions: ABA therapy training teaches individuals the principles and techniques of ABA therapy, including positive reinforcement, shaping, prompting, and other evidence-based techniques. Trainees learn how to apply these techniques to help clients with autism and other developmental disabilities learn new skills and behaviors.
- Assessment and data collection: ABA therapy training includes instruction on how to conduct assessments of clients’ skills and behaviors, and how to collect and analyze data to monitor clients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
- Collaboration and communication: ABA therapy training emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to ensure that clients receive coordinated and comprehensive care.
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ABA Therapist Career Path
ABA therapists have an abundance of growth opportunities. After gaining work as an ABA therapist, they can progress into multiple positions.
Becoming a board-certified behavior analyst is the next step most ABA therapists take. They earn a graduate degree in behavior analysis, as well as a certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. They can open their clinic and oversee a team of ABA therapists and RBTs. They are responsible for building specialized treatment plans and ensuring therapists carry them out.
Some BCBAs go on to earn a doctorate, earning them the title of BCBA-D. BCBA-Ds do not have any additional privileges. Most BCBAs earn their Ph.D. because they desire to teach at the college level.
If ABA therapists do not wish to practice, they can become training coordinators or program directors.
ABA training coordinators typically work within ASD or related disorder clinics. They seek out new training and educational opportunities for the BCBAs, ABA therapists, and RBTs on staff. They also ensure they are up to date on any necessary certifications or licenses.
Program directors are BCBA’s right hand. Most of them once worked as a BCBA and have a master’s degree. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the clinic’s operations and set goals relating to treatment and growth.
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Latest ABA Therapist Job Listings
Position | Company | Location | Posted |
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Clinical Services Director – Behavioral Health Services | Behavioral Health Services | Yakima, Washington US | 07/23/2024 |
Position Title:Clinical Services Director – Behavioral Health ServicesCity:YakimaState/Territory:US-WAEmployment Duration:Full timeOffer Relocation:YesExcempt Status:ExemptID:13258Description: … More | |||
Anesthesiologists at Various Locations throughout UPMC | University of Pittsburgh Medical Center | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania US | 07/22/2024 |
Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at UPMC serves one of the nations largest integrated delivery systems and is actively recruiting physicians who are committed to excellence in clinical care. Our diverse anesthesiology group provides care for a broad variety of cases, including all major adult subspecialty care. We are seeking highly talented anesthesiologists to provide general anesthesia and related subspecialty … More | |||
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician | Atlantic Health System | Morristown, New Jersey US | 07/19/2024 |
Atlantic Health System is Seeking a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician for the Child Development and Autism Center in Northern New Jersey Atlantic Health System, one of New Jersey’s largest non-profit healthcare networks, is seeking a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician to join Atlantic Health System’s Child Development and Autism Center. The successful candidate will be an energetic clinician who is highly collegial, innovative, and patient-centered. … More | |||
Clinical Psychologist – Behavioral | Seattle Children’s Research Institute | Seattle, Washington US | 07/18/2024 |
*This position provides relocation assistance*Provides diagnostic services, behavior analytic assessment, intervention, skill development curricula, and education to individuals and families/caregivers of individuals with developmental, intellectual, emotional, and behavioral problems in a behavior analytic program. Services should result in improvements in the patient, caregiver, and/or family’s quality of life.Provide leadership and coaching to other team members regarding … More | |||
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) | Behavioral Services of Tennessee | Cordova, Tennessee US | 07/14/2024 |
About US: We know as a BCBA you have a variety of employment opportunities, but there are many reasons to choose BSTN. Founded in 2001, BSTN is BCBA owned and operated. We provide community-based services to adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including some of the most challenging cases in the state. All of our current BCBAs have each worked for BSTN for several years, so any new BCBAs will not only obtain invaluable professional experience, but … More | |||
Board Certified Behavior Analyst -BCBA | Mount Prospect Academy | Pike, New Hampshire US | 07/12/2024 |
Mount Prospect Academy Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) Trama Informed Reports To: Executive Director Salary up to $75,000 Location: Pike, New Hampshire Offering Affordable Temporary Employee Housing available in Pike, New Hampshire location only for those looking to relocate to NH *selected positions available*. … More | |||
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) | The Unumb Center | Columbia, South Carolina US | 07/10/2024 |
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Are you dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families? The Unumb Center is seeking multiple passionate BCBA to join our esteemed ABA program. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia offers an ideal backdrop for professionals seeking both a fulfilling career and a vibrant lifestyle.The Unumb Center is a CASP member and leader in providing inter-disciplinary, … More | |||
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) | The Unumb Center | Columbia, South Carolina US | 07/10/2024 |
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Are you dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families? The Unumb Center is seeking multiple passionate BCBA to join our esteemed ABA program. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia offers an ideal backdrop for professionals seeking both a fulfilling career and a vibrant lifestyle.The Unumb Center is a CASP member and leader in providing inter-disciplinary, … More |
Position Position Title:Clinical Services Director – Behavioral Health ServicesCity:YakimaState/Territory:US-WAEmployment Duration:Full timeOffer Relocation:YesExcempt Status:ExemptID:13258Description: … More Company Behavioral Health Services Location Yakima, Washington US Posted 07/23/2024 | |||
Position Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at UPMC serves one of the nations largest integrated delivery systems and is actively recruiting physicians who are committed to excellence in clinical care. Our diverse anesthesiology group provides care for a broad variety of cases, including all major adult subspecialty care. We are seeking highly talented anesthesiologists to provide general anesthesia and related subspecialty … More Company University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Location Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania US Posted 07/22/2024 | |||
Position Atlantic Health System is Seeking a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician for the Child Development and Autism Center in Northern New Jersey Atlantic Health System, one of New Jersey’s largest non-profit healthcare networks, is seeking a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician to join Atlantic Health System’s Child Development and Autism Center. The successful candidate will be an energetic clinician who is highly collegial, innovative, and patient-centered. … More Company Atlantic Health System Location Morristown, New Jersey US Posted 07/19/2024 | |||
Position *This position provides relocation assistance*Provides diagnostic services, behavior analytic assessment, intervention, skill development curricula, and education to individuals and families/caregivers of individuals with developmental, intellectual, emotional, and behavioral problems in a behavior analytic program. Services should result in improvements in the patient, caregiver, and/or family’s quality of life.Provide leadership and coaching to other team members regarding … More Company Seattle Children’s Research Institute Location Seattle, Washington US Posted 07/18/2024 | |||
Position About US: We know as a BCBA you have a variety of employment opportunities, but there are many reasons to choose BSTN. Founded in 2001, BSTN is BCBA owned and operated. We provide community-based services to adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including some of the most challenging cases in the state. All of our current BCBAs have each worked for BSTN for several years, so any new BCBAs will not only obtain invaluable professional experience, but … More Company Behavioral Services of Tennessee Location Cordova, Tennessee US Posted 07/14/2024 | |||
Position Mount Prospect Academy Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) Trama Informed Reports To: Executive Director Salary up to $75,000 Location: Pike, New Hampshire Offering Affordable Temporary Employee Housing available in Pike, New Hampshire location only for those looking to relocate to NH *selected positions available*. … More Company Mount Prospect Academy Location Pike, New Hampshire US Posted 07/12/2024 | |||
Position Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Are you dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families? The Unumb Center is seeking multiple passionate BCBA to join our esteemed ABA program. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia offers an ideal backdrop for professionals seeking both a fulfilling career and a vibrant lifestyle.The Unumb Center is a CASP member and leader in providing inter-disciplinary, … More Company The Unumb Center Location Columbia, South Carolina US Posted 07/10/2024 | |||
Position Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Are you dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families? The Unumb Center is seeking multiple passionate BCBA to join our esteemed ABA program. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia offers an ideal backdrop for professionals seeking both a fulfilling career and a vibrant lifestyle.The Unumb Center is a CASP member and leader in providing inter-disciplinary, … More Company The Unumb Center Location Columbia, South Carolina US Posted 07/10/2024 |