The Pros & Cons of being a BCBA|Let’s Break Down the Good, Bad & the Ugly

Who said this field was all rainbows and sunshine? Not me. And I wanted to take this time to have a real discussion about the pros and cons of being a BCBA:

Pros:

1. Positive Impact on Lives:
- Direct Influence: BCBAs often work with individuals with developmental disorders, such as autism, helping them improve their skills and quality of life.
- Family/ Community Support: Providing training and support to families and community members can lead to significant improvements in family dynamics and functioning.

2. Career Opportunities:
- Demand: There is a high demand for BCBAs, particularly in schools, clinics, and private practice settings.
- Diverse Settings: BCBAs can work in a variety of environments, including educational settings, healthcare facilities, private practices, dissemination (like YouTube or professional trainings) and research institutions.

3. Professional Growth:
- Ongoing Learning: The field of ABA is constantly evolving, offering opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Oh I just got an email to become a BCBA in Europe!!! The growth is endless

4. Job Stability and Salary:
- Job Security: Due to the high demand for ABA services, BCBAs often enjoy job stability.
- Competitive Salary: BCBAs typically earn a competitive salary, with opportunities for advancement and increased earnings through experience and additional certifications.

Cons:

1. High Stress Levels:
- Emotional Demands: Working with individuals who have significant behavioral challenges can be emotionally draining and stressful.
- Burnout Risk: The intensity of the work and the need for constant vigilance and patience can lead to burnout.

2. Rigorous Certification (& re certification) Process
- Educational Requirements: Becoming a BCBA requires extensive education, including a master's degree in ABA or a related field, supervised practical experience, and passing a comprehensive certification exam.
- Continuing Education: Maintaining certification requires ongoing professional development and continuing education. This could also be considered a Pro if you love learning like me.

3. Challenging Work Environment:
- Behavioral Crises: BCBAs may have to handle behavioral crises and work in environments where they face resistance from clients or families.
- Administrative Duties: The role involves significant paperwork, data collection, and analysis, which can be time-consuming.

4. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities:
- High Accountability: BCBAs must adhere to strict ethical guidelines and face significant accountability for their interventions and treatment plans.
-Legal Risks: There can be legal implications if interventions are not implemented correctly or if ethical guidelines are breached.

5. Physical Demands:
- Active Engagement: The job can be physically demanding, requiring active engagement movement (running, playing on the floor, jumping on a trampoline, just the name a few),, and sometimes physical intervention.

Overall, being a BCBA can be a rewarding career for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with behavioral challenges. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges and demands that need to be carefully considered.