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Is Applied Behavioral Analysis the Right Career For You?

By Kristen Lee
June 13, 2019

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is one of the fastest-growing areas in the psychology and behavioral health science disciplines. Behavioral analysts are in high demand given the method’s effectiveness and the critical shortages of workers with this sought-after training. Read on to learn more about the role and career outlook to understand if ABA might be the right path for you.

What Is Applied Behavioral Analysis?

ABA is a specific therapeutic approach to understanding and changing behavior. While most commonly associated as an intervention for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders, it is also increasingly being utilized in response to the escalating opioid and mental health crises happening worldwide.

What Do Behavior Analysts Do?

The field of ABA attracts conscientious professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of others. ABA is unique, as it takes a comprehensive approach to behavior. It focuses on working to change an environment to influence positive behavioral change. ABA therapy evaluates behavior in a way that allows for replacing undesired behaviors with more appropriate ones. It doesn’t merely focus on “bad” behavior, but instead uses positive reinforcement to bring about desired changes.

Where Do Behavior Analysts Work?

ABA therapy is used in a variety of places such as medical institutions, educational settings, and in at-home interventions. Since it serves a wide range of populations, ABA therapists often have flexible schedules that allow for greater work-life balance. There are a variety of ways professionals can become credentialed that make for a great professional career path, with whatever level of academic and professional experience you bring to the table.

Career Outlook: The Growing Demand for Behavior Analysts

According to a recent BACB report on the demand for behavior analysts in the U.S., the need for assistant behavioral analysts—a role that requires a bachelor’s degree and BCaBA certification—is rapidly increasing. Since 2010, there has been a 1098 percent rise in demand for these professionals, with a 184 percent increase in 2017 alone. Every U.S. state has experienced this growth, with the most significant need in California, Florida, Virginia, and Texas.

Annual Demand for BCaBA

This same report reveals a tremendous demand for behavioral analysts with BCBA and BCBA-D certifications, which require professionals to hold either a graduate-level or doctoral degree in behavior analysis. These roles have seen a 1,942 percent increase since 2010, with a 127 percent increase between 2017-2018. California, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Arizona are among the states with the highest demand for these professionals.

Annual Demand for BCBA Certification

Why Pursue Applied Behavioral Analysis?

The opportunities and rewards within the profession are plentiful. If you are a person who wants an in-demand, rewarding, and flexible career that makes a difference in the lives of others using evidence-based, proven techniques, ABA is an excellent career choice for you.

Click here to speak with an enrollment coach about how to make your way to becoming an applied behavioral analyst.

About Kristen Lee
Kristen Lee is the lead faculty for behavioral science and leadership at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies. Dr. Lee combines 22 years of direct practice and ten years in higher education to create innovative programs for students worldwide

Her research and teaching interests include individual and organizational well-being and resilience, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations. She operates a clinical and consulting practice devoted to preventing and treating burnout and is the author of RESET: Make the Most of Your Stress—winner of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards Motivational Book of 2015—and Mentalligence: A New Psychology of Thinking. She is a regular contributor to Psychology Today, and her work has been featured on NPR and CBS Radio.