Are you a curious, caring person who loves working with kids and would find great reward in helping those with autism and other conditions reach their full potential for communication, connection, and independence? You might want to become an ABA therapist in Cleveland!

According to the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board), annual nationwide demand for individuals with a BCBA or BCBA-D has increased every year since 2010, climbing 14% between 2010 and 2023. Specifically in Ohio, the number of job postings spiked 19% from 2022 to 2023.

Salaries can vary by state, clinic size, and one’s experience, but ABA therapy professionals command competitive pay for their skills.

ABA stands for Applied Behavioral Analysis, and it’s considered the gold standard treatment for kids with autism. It’s research-based analysis used to produce meaningful changes in human behavior. It can also be a great help for kids with conditions like down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Commonly-targeted behaviors include social skills, communication skills, imitative skills, maladaptive behavior, play skills, attending skills, and adaptive/skills of daily living.

Our Cleveland ABA therapy team is passionate about what we do. We’re dedicated to providing ABA therapy professionals with all the tools, resources, and support to do their jobs well and set the stage for mastery of key skills these kids will use for the rest of their lives.

Many of those who start with us as RBTs (registered behavior technicians) go on to earn their master’s degree in behavior analysis, qualifying them to obtain board certification to become a BCBA (board-certified behavior analyst). BCBAs are the professionals responsible for formal evaluations, behavior plans, goal setting, and updating plans of care. They can provide ABA therapy 1:1, but they frequently will oversee the work of RBTs, who are responsible for carrying out the BCBA’s instructions in day-to-day therapy sessions.

Becoming an ABA Therapist in Cleveland

In Ohio, a BCBA must hold at least a master’s degree in behavior analysis, education, psychology, or related field from an accredited institution. Coursework includes specific behavior-analytic content.

BCBAs must also complete a period of supervised practical experience, which is done in various formats, depending on the university. (Several members of our Cleveland ABA therapy team are qualified to offer this supervision for BCBA students!) Supervision is conducted either by a BCBA or BCBA-D (someone with a doctorate in behavior analysis).

After completing educational and supervised experience requirements, candidates have to pass the BCBA exam. This will allow them to hold a state-issued certificate, called the Certified Ohio Behavioral Analyst (COBA), issued by the Ohio Board of Psychology (per ORC Title 47, Chapter 4783), which accepts BCBA as one qualifying path to the COBA certificate.

From there, they must adhere to the recognized industry standard ethical guidelines in their roles of conducting behavior assessments, implement behavior intervention plans, training others to implement behavior plans, and overseeing the work of RBTs.

Many North Ohio colleges offer a BCBA course program, including Cleveland State University, John Carroll University, Bowling Green State University. Some also offer online BCBA courses. Other schools, like Kent State University, don’t currently have a BCBA program, but they do have similar career track programs, such as Behavior Intervention Specialist.

How to Become an RBT in Ohio

Becoming an RBT in Cleveland is a more straightforward, less intensive track. The Registered Behavior Technician certification is a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis, with services provided under the direction and close supervision of an RBT supervisor and/or BCBA.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Be at least 18-years-old
• Have a high school level of education or equivalent
• Complete a criminal background check
• Complete 40 hours of training that meets requirements
• Pass an initial competency assessment
• Apply for certification from the BACB
• Maintain annual certification and ongoing supervision

Our Cleveland ABA therapy clinic is always looking for qualified, caring, creative professionals to work as RBTs on our team.

If you have questions about becoming an ABA therapist on our team, give us a call!

For more information about Cleveland ABA therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy at Therapy and Wellness Connection, Contact Us Online or call our office (330) 748-4807. Serving Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities.

Additional Resources:

Ohio Revised Code, Title 47, Behavior Analysts

More Blog Entries:

Peer Play in Cleveland ABA Therapy, May 29, 2024, Cleveland ABA Therapy Blog