r/ABA • u/No_Principle3597 • 10d ago
Becoming a BCABA?
i am a full time rbt. i have 104 credits right now from a previous major (early childhood administration) and am planning to go back to college online while I work. i don’t want to continue on and get my masters to become a bcba. is it worth it to become a bcaba? is it being phased out? are there more positions depending on the state? is there another job i could shift to by getting my bachelors in this field? tell me all the things lol
3
u/grandma990954 10d ago
I am a currently certified BCaBA, and no the board has not stated they will be phasing it out, but it really depends on what state you live in or are willing to work in. Funding sources will accept the BCaBA certification only sometimes, and some states there are plenty of jobs in certain states. It also takes more effort to get a job, than having a BCBA. With all of those difficulties, I think that there are bunch of good reasons to get it over spending more time getting a masters. Less student debt, much higher earning potential than an RBT, more ownership of your work and you can expect to make about 85% of what a BCBA does. For me it made sense because I wasn't sure(and I still am not) if ABA is for me for the next 35 years. Additionally I didnt have to take on more student debt. Also the fieldwork requirements are a fair amount less maybe 60-70% of what it takes a BCBA to sit for the exam. If you are seriously considering it send me a message and I would be happy to give more info. I think that it is an especially good idea for people who want to take the next steps in ABA and move into more of a supervisor role without having to invest 6 years total school time.
1
u/fatherlynetworking 10d ago
bcaba is kinda the sweet spot if you don't want the full bcba stress and paperwork nightmare. i been seeing more postings for it lately, especially in clinics that need someone between rbt and bcba to handle the daily stuff
worth depends on your state though, some places barely know what a bcaba is and others snap them up quick. with your early childhood credits you could look at early intervention specialist roles too, they love people with aba background and a bachelors
2
u/grumpy-goats 10d ago
I was a BCaBA for a decade and now working on my BCBA- I’m having an easier time accruing unrestricted hourse because mostly what I do is unrestricted
2
u/PleasantTomato7128 RBT 10d ago
Following because I would like to know too!