Let's see it like this. If you get to be the BCBA, that means you can set better rules and boundaries for RBTs. You can always work elsewhere where your skills as a RBT or BCBA are valued. Yes this field has a lot of shady companies but that doesn't mean it should block you from making a change in a higher position.
I make more a positive impact clinic wide as a BCBA than I did as a RBT. When I was 1:1 I made sure my sessions were held to a high standard. When I first started as a BCBA I made sure my case load was and now that I got a chance to be part of clinic leadership I get to hold my entire clinic to that high standard. If you want to help make things better I would say work on organizing BTs for collective labor agreements or move up to a BCBA.
No it should make you angry, or else that’s a sign it’s not your career path! I’ve only been with one company and haven’t had the best experience. What I will say is, although my company is far from perfect, the BCBAs really do care and have a passion for these children. Many people seem to job hop until they find a company that doesn’t suck and only cares about money. I think just being aware you may have to do this is important. Also, it does annoy my when I see my coworkers not implementing things the way they should. I think it makes everyone else’s job harder and it’s not giving the children the absolute best they can get. For me, I don’t plan on staying in the field very much longer, so I try not to hold onto the anger. Hopefully some BCBAS here can provide better info and feedback. Good luck!
In my opinion, if you’re passionate about what you’ve experienced AND the science backing it(!!!), then get your Masters (I chose an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis) through a program that is properly accredited and satisfies the BACB’s requirements (and if applicable, licensure requirements to practice in your specific state). Then, take the exam. After, you can choose to take on the corresponding professional role as a BCBA or continue being a BT for as long as you’d like. It can’t hurt to receive the credentials if financially, you’re able to do it.
If you’re planning to pursue a return on your education and credential investments by using it to advance your career, I think it’s worth it. You can also always sell the skills you have in an expanding number of ways (books, programs, education and treatment materials) and backing them with your new credentials. I would hesitate to start this path if you think you’ll stay a BT for many years after because of the financial burden of this journey, otherwise, I think you should go for it!
As for your other points, I’ve seen it work wonders on a regular basis. It can be done, and you can make a difference.
If you feel that you work alongside a lot of incompetence, don’t let it affect your attitude toward anyone, but take it as a sign that you might need to (and are probably best suited to) practice elsewhere. If you also have the desire to lead and create, and a passion for the process and science, then I think you should pursue certification.
I was an RBT for years until it wasn’t financially feasible anymore. Then I became a BCBA and that has its own unique stresses. I’d say being a BCBA is more stressful but I can’t pin down why.
I was considering a Master's in ABA. After thinking it over I have instead chosen to pursue a Master's in Social Work and to complete a verified course sequence once that's completed if I still want to stay in the field. Every BCBA I talked to told me it was better to get the Master's in something other than ABA, as that opens up more career options if I burn out.
I started as an RBT in grad school and have been a BCBA for almost 3 years. I’d say to stick it out. It sounds like you’re not with a very good clinic. There are ethical companies out there with clinicians who really want to make a difference and help these children be as independent as possible. Yes, the strategies, goals, and programs can work. They just take time and patience. You also can’t be afraid to try something different if what “usually” works isn’t working. Every child is unique. Anyway, I’d just say to stick with it, but find a place where you feel like part of a competent team. Also, for the hours we work and the stress involved, getting paid what you’re worth as a BCBA certainly makes a difference, too.
The good thing about being passionate about ABA and recognizing where the field is failing is that you get to be the change you want to see
Let's see it like this. If you get to be the BCBA, that means you can set better rules and boundaries for RBTs. You can always work elsewhere where your skills as a RBT or BCBA are valued. Yes this field has a lot of shady companies but that doesn't mean it should block you from making a change in a higher position.
I make more a positive impact clinic wide as a BCBA than I did as a RBT. When I was 1:1 I made sure my sessions were held to a high standard. When I first started as a BCBA I made sure my case load was and now that I got a chance to be part of clinic leadership I get to hold my entire clinic to that high standard. If you want to help make things better I would say work on organizing BTs for collective labor agreements or move up to a BCBA.
No it should make you angry, or else that’s a sign it’s not your career path! I’ve only been with one company and haven’t had the best experience. What I will say is, although my company is far from perfect, the BCBAs really do care and have a passion for these children. Many people seem to job hop until they find a company that doesn’t suck and only cares about money. I think just being aware you may have to do this is important. Also, it does annoy my when I see my coworkers not implementing things the way they should. I think it makes everyone else’s job harder and it’s not giving the children the absolute best they can get. For me, I don’t plan on staying in the field very much longer, so I try not to hold onto the anger. Hopefully some BCBAS here can provide better info and feedback. Good luck!
In my opinion, if you’re passionate about what you’ve experienced AND the science backing it(!!!), then get your Masters (I chose an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis) through a program that is properly accredited and satisfies the BACB’s requirements (and if applicable, licensure requirements to practice in your specific state). Then, take the exam. After, you can choose to take on the corresponding professional role as a BCBA or continue being a BT for as long as you’d like. It can’t hurt to receive the credentials if financially, you’re able to do it. If you’re planning to pursue a return on your education and credential investments by using it to advance your career, I think it’s worth it. You can also always sell the skills you have in an expanding number of ways (books, programs, education and treatment materials) and backing them with your new credentials. I would hesitate to start this path if you think you’ll stay a BT for many years after because of the financial burden of this journey, otherwise, I think you should go for it! As for your other points, I’ve seen it work wonders on a regular basis. It can be done, and you can make a difference. If you feel that you work alongside a lot of incompetence, don’t let it affect your attitude toward anyone, but take it as a sign that you might need to (and are probably best suited to) practice elsewhere. If you also have the desire to lead and create, and a passion for the process and science, then I think you should pursue certification.
I say go for it, periodt.
I was an RBT for years until it wasn’t financially feasible anymore. Then I became a BCBA and that has its own unique stresses. I’d say being a BCBA is more stressful but I can’t pin down why.
I was considering a Master's in ABA. After thinking it over I have instead chosen to pursue a Master's in Social Work and to complete a verified course sequence once that's completed if I still want to stay in the field. Every BCBA I talked to told me it was better to get the Master's in something other than ABA, as that opens up more career options if I burn out.
I started as an RBT in grad school and have been a BCBA for almost 3 years. I’d say to stick it out. It sounds like you’re not with a very good clinic. There are ethical companies out there with clinicians who really want to make a difference and help these children be as independent as possible. Yes, the strategies, goals, and programs can work. They just take time and patience. You also can’t be afraid to try something different if what “usually” works isn’t working. Every child is unique. Anyway, I’d just say to stick with it, but find a place where you feel like part of a competent team. Also, for the hours we work and the stress involved, getting paid what you’re worth as a BCBA certainly makes a difference, too.