How to Get Started in ABA Therapy: Training and CertificationsThe Soft Skills That Make a Great ABA Therapist
Interested in becoming an ABA therapist? Whether you want to work as a behaviour interventionist or a behaviour consultant in Vancouver, here’s what you need to know:
Steps to Get Started in ABA Therapy:
- Educational Background and essential skills: If you’re considering a career and Applied Behaviour Analysis, there are certain qualifications and skills are essential to being successful. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your expertise, it’s important to understand the educational and professional background needed to thrive in this fulfilling career. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is a key requirement for effective communication with children, parents, and other professionals. While English fluency is important, knowledge of additional languages can be a valuable asset, especially in multilingual communities or when working with families who speak other languages. A degree in psychology, education, or a related field is a significant advantage for those pursuing a role working with young children. Along with the education requirements, experience working directly with young children is typically required for most positions in this field. This experience helps candidates develop a deeper understanding of children’s needs, behaviour, and learning styles. Whether through internships, volunteer work, or previous employment, hands-on experience is key to being prepared for the challenges and rewards of working with children. Additionally, candidates who are self-motivated, reliable, enthusiastic, and possess excellent communication skills are highly valued. These qualities ensure that professionals can establish trust with both children and parents, remain dedicated to their work, and create a positive, supportive environment for learning and growth.
- Supervised Experience: At Family Centered Practices Group, we are committed to supporting our team members in obtaining the credentials they need to advance in their careers. Our approach to supervision is designed to provide both individual and group support, ensuring that every consultant receives personalized mentorship while also benefiting from collaborative learning with peers. At Family Centered Practices Group, we provide prospective consultants with the guidance they need to choose the path for them and navigate the complexities of field work supervision needed to qualify for certification with the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board. Working at FCPG means being part of a team that genuinely cares about your professional growth. We are dedicated to supporting each other’s success, creating a collaborative and positive work environment where you can thrive. In addition to our supervision, we offer ongoing continuing education that helps our team members maintain their credentials and ensures that they continue to provide the highest quality service to the families we support.
- BCBA Certification: Enrolling in ABA courses is the first step to becoming a skilled professional in this field. These courses equip you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to work with individuals, families, and teams to implement ABA strategies effectively. The Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) certification is a certification that focuses on the application of ABA principles under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). Completing ABA training and obtaining your RBT certification demonstrates your competency in fundamental ABA practices, making you a more competitive candidate in the field. For those hoping to become a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst, the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) sets the standards for ABA certifications, including the course sequence required for Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) or Board-Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA) certification. The BACB course sequence includes foundational coursework in topics like behaviour analysis principles, ethics, and assessment methods, as well as supervised fieldwork. The sequence must be followed closely, as it ensures that the coursework meets BACB’s rigorous standards and prepares you for the certification exam. When choosing a program, it’s crucial to ensure that the school offers a course sequence that is BACB-approved. This guarantees that the curriculum is designed to meet the requirements necessary for sitting for the BCBA or BCaBA certification exam.
We offer training and mentorship for those looking to start a career in behaviour therapy in Vancouver. Get in touch today!