Job Opportunities Abound for Applied Behavior Analysts

Learn why demand is growing for behavior analysts and how you can pursue a satisfying career making a difference in the lives of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Since the 1940s there has been significant research on Autism. Over the last 50 years the disorder was widely misunderstood and chronically misdiagnosed. It wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that researchers started to understand how biology and brain development play a role, thus recognizing Autism as a developmental disorder. In the 1990s, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) categorized Autism as a spectrum, recognizing the range of symptoms. Over the past few decades there has been a significant rise in Autism representation in the media. Continuous research and advocacy has led to Autism spectrum disorder becoming better understood and diagnosed. Published in 2013 the most current DSM-5 criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder includes persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Now that researchers have a clearer understanding of the spectrum, they’re also learning more about effective ways to support people with autism that allow them to lead rich and fulfilling lives. It’s an exciting and evolving field. If you want to pursue a challenging and rewarding career, the Behavior Analysis program at the School of Health Science of Touro College can provide you with the solid foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that you’ll need.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a form of therapy that focuses on increasing socially significant behaviors and decreasing disruptive or harmful behaviors using various proactive and reactive strategies with careful planning and ongoing assessment. Acknowledged as an evidence-based best practice treatment by the US Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association, ABA has the potential to increase academic, communication, social, and behavior skills, which can dramatically improve clients lives in the process.

At Touro, you can pursue a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, or you can build on your existing master’s degree and opt for a post-master’s advance certificate with a specialization in behavior analysis. No matter which program you choose, the comprehensive curriculum focuses on theory, training, and oversight to fully prepare you to work with clients who’ve been diagnosed with autism or related disorders.

Both programs meet the New York State academic requirements for licensure as a Behavior Analyst, as well as the national BCBA accreditation. Upon graduation you’ll be eligible to apply for the LBA licensing exam. These programs will provide you with the training you need to develop and implement individualized treatment goals for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

In 2020, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Applied Behavior Analysis continues to provide individuals and families effective evidenced based strategies. After you earn an advanced degree or certification in Applied Behavior Analysis, you’ll have ample opportunity to put your skills to work. Many LBAs and BCBAs work in healthcare, in hospitals or mental health centers, while others work in schools, at non-profits, or with government agencies to provide behavioral treatment plans and the support and guidance to implement them. The field is expected to continue to thrive with above-average growth. Most behavioral analysts earn around $68,000 a year, but the salary for a BCBA can reach as high as $140,000 annually.

To get started helping people on the autism spectrum improve social, communication, and behavioral skills, the Behavior Analysis program at the School of Health Science of Touro College can give you the training you need. Contact Touro today about earning your master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or a post-master’s advance certificate with a specialization in behavior analysis and take a big step toward an exciting healthcare career in the field of autism.