How to become a behavioral analyst in Florida

Are you passionate about helping people improve their behavior and quality of life? Behavioral analysts support clients with behavioral challenges by helping them create strategies for positive change. Learn about the duties of a behavioral analyst and what steps you need to take to become one in Florida.

What does a behavioral analyst in Florida do?

Behavior analysts in Florida use applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles to assess patients and create and implement strategies to help clients manage behaviors. A behavior analyst might work in a school, clinic, or private practice, often to support clients with autism or developmental disabilities.

The difference between a behavior analyst and a psychologist is that a behavior analyst focuses on observable behaviors and environmental changes, while a psychologist explores internal thoughts to understand the causes of behavior.

Some essential skills for a behavioral analyst include:

• Analytical thinking
• Patience
• Communication

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors as a group earn a median annual salary of $53,710 as of May 2023.

Steps to become a behavioral analyst in Florida

If you're ready to pursue this rewarding career, here are five steps to help you become a licensed behavioral analyst in Florida.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree in a related field

The first step to becoming a behavioral analyst is earning a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, social science, or a related field. This foundation can help prepare you for the graduate-level studies required in ABA, the method most commonly used in autism spectrum disorders to assess, treat, and prevent challenging behaviors while promoting positive ones.

Step 2: Complete a master's degree or doctorate

Since 2003, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has handled certifications for those formerly certified by the Florida Behavior Analysis Certification Program.

To become a behavior analyst, BACB requires that you earn a master's degree (or higher) from an accredited program. For example, a master's degree in psychology with ABA coursework may be ideal.

Step 3: Engage in behavior-analytic content

Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) certification requirements stipulate that you participate in behavior-analytic content. If your master's degree is not issued by an Association of Professional Behavior Analysts-accredited program or an Association for Behavior Analysts International-accredited or recognized behavior analysis degree program, you must engage in additional behavior-analytic content.

The behavior-analytic content can include:

• Behavior-analytic coursework
• Faculty teaching and research
• Post-doctoral experience in ABA

The BACB may be able to help you determine whether or not you need to engage in behavior-analytic content in supplement to your master's degree.

Step 4: Participate in supervised fieldwork in behavior analysis

The BACB also requires that you participate in supervised fieldwork in behavior analysis. To meet the conditions, you can choose from supervised fieldwork and “concentrated" supervised fieldwork. So, you can do 2,000 practical hours with 5% of that supervised or 1,500 “concentrated" practical hours with 10% of that supervised.

Supervisors must meet one of these criteria:

• BCBA certified for at least one year with no sanctions and ongoing supervision continuing education units
• BCBA certified for less than a year, receiving monthly consultation from a qualified supervisor
• Be a licensed psychologist certified in behavioral and cognitive psychology with ABA testing
• Be a verified course sequence instructor

Fieldwork helps to make sure you gain hands-on experience with expert oversight to build the skills and confidence to practice behavior analysis effectively and ethically.

Step 5: Pass the BACB certification exam

To practice ABA in Florida and qualify for Medicaid and insurance coverage, you need to get BCBA certified. The final step is passing the BCBA exam, which demonstrates your expertise and readiness to provide professional ABA services.

Get started on edX

To start your journey toward becoming a behavioral analyst in Florida, compare ABA programs on edX.