Overview
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Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a science that uses the principles of learning and motivation to solve problems of behavior in children, adults, and seniors. A behavior technician is a paraprofessional that assists in delivering behavior-analytic services and practice under the direction and close supervision of a bachelor, masters, or PhD level certified behavior analyst. Behavior technicians work directly with the learners implementing the designed plan for behavior management. The goal of behavior analysis is to improve the quality of life of the clients/patients and their families.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss the role and duties of the behavior technician in the service-delivery system.
- Discuss the various settings in which a behavior technician might work.
- Identify typical stages of cognitive, linguistic, physical, social, and emotional development.
- Discuss multiculturalism and Diversity issues in the field of applied behavior analysis.
- Identify strategies for maintaining currency in behavior technician skills and concepts.
- Properly prepare for data collection per facility protocols.
- Properly implement continuous and discontinuous measurement procedures.
- Properly implement permanent-product recording procedures.
- Efficiently and accurately enter data and update visual data representation using software commonly used in the workplace.
- Accurately describe behavior and environment in observable and measurable terms.
- Conduct preference assessments.
- Assist with various assessment procedures as directed by practitioner.
- Explain the purpose for and components of a written skill acquisition plan.
- Explain how to properly prepare for a session as required by the skill acquisition plan.
- Explain the proper use of contingencies of reinforcement.
- Explain and effectively implement discrete-trial and naturalistic teaching procedures.
- Explain and effectively implement discrimination training.
- Explain and effectively implement stimulus control transfer procedures.
- Explain and effectively implement prompt and prompt fading procedures.
- Explain and effectively implement generalization and maintenance procedures.
- Explain and effectively implement shaping procedures.
- Explain and effectively implement token economy procedures.
- Identify the essential components of a written behavior reduction plan.
- Describe common functions of behavior.
- Explain and implement interventions based on various modification of antecedents.
- Explain and implement various differential reinforcement procedures.
- Explain and implement extinction procedures.
- Explain and implement crisis/emergency procedures according to a facility’s protocol.
- Discuss effective communication skills and characteristics that are expected in the workplace.
- Explain how to report variables that might affect a client.
- Create objective session notes for service verification.
- Identify the legal, regulatory, and workplace data collection, storage, transportation, and documentation requirements.
- Explain ethical expectations for behavior technicians.
- Explain the RBT supervision requirements.
- Explain how to appropriately respond to feedback given with the goal of performance improvement.
- Discuss profession boundaries expected in the workplace.
- Discuss strategies for maintaining client dignity in the workplace.
- Identify the steps for becoming credentialed as an RBT.
Certifications
Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
There are several National Certification exams that are available to students who successfully complete this program:
- Behavior Analyst Certificate Board (BACB) Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) (An assessment is made in person by a qualified, approved assessor. The assessment is scheduled after completion of the course.)
Externship
Although not a requirement, once students complete the program, they have the ability to participate in an externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field. All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed with a participating organization near their location.
NOTE: In order to take an externship, one must successfully complete and pass the national certification exam.