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.
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.
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.
Latest Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist Jobs & Career Guide 2024 Listings
Position | Company | Location | Posted |
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Chief Anesthesiologist and OR Clinical Director UPMC Williamsport | University of Pittsburgh Medical Center | Williamsport, Pennsylvania US | 04/12/2024 |
We are actively recruiting two senior-level, experienced physicians to serve as Chief Anesthesiologist and Operating Room Clinical Director at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Williamsport. Why Choose University of Pittsburgh/UPMC? UPMC is world-renowned and … More | |||
BCBA | Little Behavior Consulting, LLC | Waco, Texas US | 03/26/2024 |
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to join our team at Little Behavior Consulting, LLC in Waco and Corpus Christi Texas. The BCBA will play a key role in providing clinical oversight, developing behavior intervention plans, conducting assessments, and overseeing the implementation of ABA therapy programs for individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ABA principles … More | |||
BCBA Clinical Director | StepOne Neurodiversity Services | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania US | 03/25/2024 |
Make a Difference: BCBA Clinical Director at StepOne Neurodiversity Services … More | |||
Assistant or Associate Professor, ABA | Undisclosed | Medford, Oregon US | 03/22/2024 |
Oregon Institute of Technology is conducting a search for a full-time, tenure-track, 12-month faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. Position Summary: The successful incumbent will support the MS-ABA, BS-Applied Psychology, andABAclinic programs. Responsibilities include teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, providing clinical supervision of students and other duties at theBIGABAclinic. Applied research and excellence in instruction are expected … More | |||
Anesthesiologist – UPMC – Williamsport, PA – Lucrative Incentive Plan and Generous PTO | Williamsport Regional Medical Center | Williamsport, Pennsylvania US | 03/19/2024 |
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine seeks highly talented anesthesiologists who are committed to excellence in clinical care to join our team at UPMC Williamsport Hospital. Successful candidates must be ABA board-eligible or ABA-certified or equivalent and qualify for an unrestricted Pennsylvania medical license.Our diverse anesthesiology group provides care for a broad variety of cases, including all major adult … More | |||
Medical Director, Pediatric Chronic Pain Anesthesiology ‘ UPMC ‘ Job in Pittsburgh | UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania US | 03/19/2024 |
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Divisions of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine are seeking a BC/BE pediatric pain fellowship-trained physician to join a growing multidisciplinary practice at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh-affiliated position presents a great opportunity to provide direct patient care (amount to be determined by Chief Pediatric Anesthesiologist & Vice Chair, Pain Medicine) in a state-of-the-art outpatient facility, … More | |||
Remote Clinical Supervisor | Behavioral Framework | Remote US | 03/14/2024 |
Remote Clinical Supervisor … More | |||
Remote Clinical Supervisor (BCBA) | Behavioral Framework | Maryland US | 03/14/2024 |
Remote Clinical Supervisor (BCBA) Location: Hybrid remote in Rockville, MD 20852 Salary: $85,000-$95,000 Job Description JoinBehavioral Framework the leading provider of in-home ABA therapy services in the DMV area! We’re seeking passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families affected by Autism. Ideal Opportunity: … More |
Position We are actively recruiting two senior-level, experienced physicians to serve as Chief Anesthesiologist and Operating Room Clinical Director at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Williamsport. Why Choose University of Pittsburgh/UPMC? UPMC is world-renowned and … More Company University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Location Williamsport, Pennsylvania US Posted 04/12/2024 | |||
Position We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to join our team at Little Behavior Consulting, LLC in Waco and Corpus Christi Texas. The BCBA will play a key role in providing clinical oversight, developing behavior intervention plans, conducting assessments, and overseeing the implementation of ABA therapy programs for individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ABA principles … More Company Little Behavior Consulting, LLC Location Waco, Texas US Posted 03/26/2024 | |||
Position Make a Difference: BCBA Clinical Director at StepOne Neurodiversity Services … More Company StepOne Neurodiversity Services Location Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania US Posted 03/25/2024 | |||
Position Oregon Institute of Technology is conducting a search for a full-time, tenure-track, 12-month faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. Position Summary: The successful incumbent will support the MS-ABA, BS-Applied Psychology, andABAclinic programs. Responsibilities include teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, providing clinical supervision of students and other duties at theBIGABAclinic. Applied research and excellence in instruction are expected … More Company Undisclosed Location Medford, Oregon US Posted 03/22/2024 | |||
Position The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine seeks highly talented anesthesiologists who are committed to excellence in clinical care to join our team at UPMC Williamsport Hospital. Successful candidates must be ABA board-eligible or ABA-certified or equivalent and qualify for an unrestricted Pennsylvania medical license.Our diverse anesthesiology group provides care for a broad variety of cases, including all major adult … More Company Williamsport Regional Medical Center Location Williamsport, Pennsylvania US Posted 03/19/2024 | |||
Position The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Divisions of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine are seeking a BC/BE pediatric pain fellowship-trained physician to join a growing multidisciplinary practice at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh-affiliated position presents a great opportunity to provide direct patient care (amount to be determined by Chief Pediatric Anesthesiologist & Vice Chair, Pain Medicine) in a state-of-the-art outpatient facility, … More Company UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Location Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania US Posted 03/19/2024 | |||
Company Behavioral Framework Location Remote US Posted 03/14/2024 | |||
Position Remote Clinical Supervisor (BCBA) Location: Hybrid remote in Rockville, MD 20852 Salary: $85,000-$95,000 Job Description JoinBehavioral Framework the leading provider of in-home ABA therapy services in the DMV area! We’re seeking passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families affected by Autism. Ideal Opportunity: … More Company Behavioral Framework Location Maryland US Posted 03/14/2024 |