By Dr. Pik Wah Lam-Chestnut, BCBA, LBA, Visiting Assistant Professor,
June 15, 2024
Are you driven by a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives? Seeking a
flexible and rewarding career with a competitive salary? If so, becoming a Board Certified
Behavior Analyst (BCBA) could be your ideal path.
Flexible Career Opportunities:
A BCBA, which stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst, is at the forefront of
a rapidly growing profession with high demand not only in the United States but around
the world. The beauty of a BCBA career lies in its diversity of opportunities. While
many BCBAs work in traditional settings such as schools, clinics, and private practices,
there are a multitude of exciting paths to explore. These include roles in Organizational
Behavior Management (OBM), Forensic Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice and Corrections,
Substance Abuse and Treatment, and even wellness and fitness coaching. With a BCBA
certification, you possess the knowledge and training to thrive in virtually any professional
setting you can envision.
Making a Meaningful Difference:
Regardless of the specific career path or setting you choose, BCBAs are dedicated
to helping individuals in need. Their core mission is to assist clients in developing
new skills, reducing challenging behaviors, and breaking down barriers to enhance
their overall quality of life. BCBAs can work wonders, such as helping a toddler reduce
tantrums and focus on essential skill development or guiding individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to overcome sensory overload, enabling them to participate
in everyday activities like grocery shopping or enjoying a meal with loved ones in
a restaurant.
Competitive Compensation:
One of the many perks of obtaining BCBA certification is the potential for a competitive
salary. BCBAs are highly regarded in the field of education, and their expertise is
well-compensated. On average, the median salary for BCBAs surpasses that of teachers
nationwide by 10% to 16%. This difference reflects the value and specialized knowledge
that BCBAs bring to the table, making it a lucrative and rewarding career choice.
In summary, becoming a BCBA opens doors to a flexible and fulfilling career that empowers
you to positively impact lives, offers a wide range of exciting opportunities, and
provides competitive compensation. If you're driven by a passion for helping others
and making a real difference in the world, a career as a BCBA is a path worth exploring.
Check out UCM’s 100% online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Option today!
Dr. Pik Wah Lam-Chesnut
Visiting Assistant Professor
Special Education
lamchesnut@ucmo.edu