The U.S. healthcare system is experiencing a serious shortage of care providers, including behavioral health professionals, according to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA).  

If becoming a health professional who focuses on helping individuals with behavioral and developmental disabilities appeals to you, then becoming a behavior analyst is a good option to consider. Behavior analysts apply their expertise in behavioral science to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

If you’ve been considering enrolling in an applied behavior analysis degree program, it can be useful to explore the behavior analyst job description and learn more about what working in the position entails. 

What Is a Behavior Analyst?

The core responsibility of a behavior analyst is to use the science of behavior to help people improve their lives by changing their behaviors.  

Behavior analysts have expertise in how people learn different behaviors and the ways in which behaviors can change with time. They use applied behavior analysis techniques to evaluate the circumstances surrounding certain behaviors and provide evidence-based treatment strategies.  

Behavior Analyst Practice Areas

Working as a behavior analyst can entail focusing on people challenged by specific types of issues. For example, a behavior analyst can work with individuals with the following conditions or challenges: 

• Autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities 

• Issues related to sports psychology 

• Brain injuries 

• Learning disabilities 

• Substance use disorders 

Behavior Analyst Skills

Working in behavior analysis requires strong skills in areas such as the following: 

• Client assessment 

• Intervention development 

• Communication and interpersonal relations  

• Organization and prioritization 

• Problem-solving 

• Compassion and empathy 

Job Description: Behavior Analyst Responsibilities

The job description for a behavior analyst can encompass various responsibilities, working environments and types of employers. 

Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Behavior Analyst

The responsibilities that behavior analysts carry out on any given day can include duties such as the following: 

• Assessing client behaviors 

• Creating, implementing and modifying care plans that are tailored to clients’ needs 

• Offering therapy to clients and teaching clients about approaches they can use to reduce disruptive behaviors and promote positive changes in behavior 

• Informing clients’ families about behavior disorders and how they can support clients 

• Coordinating with other professionals on a client’s care team 

• Supervising the work of other behavior analysis professionals 

Behavior Analyst Working Environments

Behavior analysts can work in various settings, including the following: 

• Schools 

• Healthcare clinics and hospitals 

• Community centers 

• Rehabilitation centers 

• Mental health facilities 

• Assisted living facilities and group homes 

Employers of behavior analysts can include healthcare providers, school districts and private schools, public health organizations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. 

Steps to Become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Many positions in behavior analysis require board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) certification, offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). That entails satisfying certain educational and experiential requirements. 

Step 1: Earn a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is the first step to becoming a board certified behavior analyst. For example, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, child development, communication disorders or education can establish a solid foundation for working in behavior analysis. 

Step 2: Earn a Graduate Degree

To work as a board certified behavior analyst, an individual needs to obtain a master’s degree or higher in applied behavior analysis. A graduate degree allows students to acquire expertise in critical subjects, such as the following: 

• Behavior assessment 

• Research and practice in applied behavior analysis 

• Ethics and professionalism in applied behavior analysis 

• Trauma-informed care 

• Health psychology 

Step 3: Complete Supervised Fieldwork Requirements

Before they can begin independently working as board certified behavior analysts, individuals need to satisfy requirements related to supervised fieldwork. More specifically, the BACB requires candidates for certification to complete either of the following: 

• 2,000 hours of fieldwork: A supervisor must supervise 5 percent of the fieldwork hours a candidate works each supervisory period. 

• 1,500 hours of concentrated fieldwork: A supervisor must supervise 10 percent of the fieldwork hours a candidate works each supervisory period. 

Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam

After completing the educational and fieldwork requirements, an individual needs to apply for and pass the BACB’s certification exam. The exam covers subjects such as the following: 

• Behaviorism and philosophical foundations 

• Behavior analysis concepts and principles  

• Ethical and professional issues  

• Behavior assessment  

• Selecting and implementing interventions 

5. Obtain State Licensure

Many states also require individuals to obtain a state license to work as board certified behavior analysts. Because licensing requirements differ across states, aspiring behavior analysts need to research and comply with the specific licensing requirements in the states where they want to practice.  

Board Certified Behavior Analyst Salary and Job Outlook

Individuals who want to work in behavior analysis should become familiar with board certified behavior analyst salary levels and employment prospects. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of $53,710 as of May 2023. Those in the highest 10 percent of the salary range earned more than $89,920, while those in the lowest 10 percent of the salary range earned less than $36,700. Salaries can vary based on factors such as education, experience, employer and geographic location. 

The BLS also projects 19 percent job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors between 2023 and 2033. That growth rate significantly exceeds the bureau’s projection of four percent growth across all occupations through 2033. The BLS attributes the projected growth rate of 19 percent to factors such as increases in demand for services to address mental health and behavioral disorders and the need to replace professionals who leave the field. 

Working as a Behavior Analyst Can Be a Fulfilling Career Choice

The job description for behavior analysts encompasses a wide variety of rewarding responsibilities that allow professionals to apply their expertise to help others. Working as professionals in behavior analysis allows individuals to help clients reach their full potential and improve their quality of life. 

SEMO Online’s Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program can help individuals develop advanced expertise in behavior analysis. Offering the convenience of an online format, the program trains students in the theoretical foundations of behavior analysis and practical applications in the field. Students in specific SEMO undergraduate programs can also complete the program in an accelerated format. 

Start working toward your educational and career goals today with SEMO Online.