4 Signs It’s Time for a Change in Your Career as a Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Over the past few years, demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) has grown dramatically in the United States. According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Annual nationwide demand for individuals holding BCBA or BCBA-D certification has increased each year since 2010, with a 14% increase from 2022 to 2023.
If you’re exploring behavior analyst career options, you may already know all opportunities are not equal. Especially for recent graduates, it can be hard to know a new position is the right place for you. Before you start browsing LinkedIn or job boards, check to see if you’re experiencing some of the signs it’s time for a change in your BCBA career, and to find a new opportunity.
1. It feels like you’re working alone
Your role as a BCBA requires you to work with a variety of people. From teachers to caregivers and anyone in between, you need to ensure clear communication and establish good relationships. To make that happen, you need support and connection from your colleagues. If you feel like you’re navigating relationships alone without the support you need, that’s a red flag and a sign to explore other behavior analyst career options.
2. It’s all paperwork and protocols
Any career has parts that seem to get in the way of the work and your BCBA career is no different. But, these nuances are generally minor. If it feels like the paperwork and protocols of your position are taking more of your time than your actual practice, that’s not normal. Talk with your supervisor or team to see if there are ways you can lessen the load to help you focus more on your students or clients.
3. It feels like you’re stalling out
There needs to be room for advancement in your BCBA career. As you gain more experience, you should have the opportunity to move into a supervisory position or work more in areas of your specific interest. However, if it seems like you’ve stalled in the same area for years, that may be a sign you need to try something new in your behavior analyst career.
4. It’s become “just a job”
Yes, all jobs are jobs, but most people go into a BCBA career because they want to make a positive impact on the world, often especially in the lives of children. If you’re starting to see your work as “just a job” and no longer have the sense of mission you started with, it may be time to look for new behavior analyst career options.
Other BCBA Career Options
BCBAs often work in schools or educational settings. However, there are other areas BCBAs can work in, such as:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Agencies: In this role, BCBAs work with individuals of all ages. These agencies typically offer one-on-one and group therapy options.
- Healthcare: Hospitals, rehab centers, and other healthcare facilities all need BCBAs in various departments.
- Residential Programs: BCBAs can work within an established residential program that aims to help individuals get all-around community support. These programs can be centered around youth, the elderly, or adults with developmental disabilities among others.
If you’re interested in exploring different options outside the typical behavior analyst career, there are a few areas to look into. Some BCBA career pivots include:
- Human Resources: managing workplace culture and establishing programs to reinforce positive working relationships.
- Substance Abuse and Treatment Clinics: working with individuals who are trying to overcome addiction and helping work on treatment plans.
- Researcher: collaborating with doctors and scientists to understand human behavior in various fields.
Connect with Nyman Associates
Whether you’re looking for a new role in your behavior analyst career or want to pivot to another field, the experts at Nyman Associates are here to help.
Our management team of clinicians and educators is dedicated to finding you the best opportunities including the potential for better benefits and more flexible work hours. See what you can achieve – send us your resume today.
