What are the pros and cons of being a BCBA?

The pros and cons of being a BCBA relate to making a positive impact on the lives of patients, job demands and opportunities, and the emotional stress of the job. Here are the top pros and cons of being a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA):

Pros:

• Making a positive impact on the lives of patients

BCBAs often have the opportunity to make significant contributions to the physical and mental health of their patients. The positive impact they can have on their patients is also felt by the patient's families. Being a BCBA can be an extremely gratifying and fulfilling career because of the good that can be done. Many in this field take a lot of pride in their work.

• Job demand

There is a high demand for BCBA services, and the demand is expected to grow for years to come. This is due to advancements in treatments for conditions like autism, and the continually developing field of special education. You can experience job security and possibilities for career advancement in this field.

• Competitive compensation

The average salary for a BCBA in the United States is $75,787 per year. Some are also able to earn more than this average. BCBAs also often experience comprehensive employee benefits, like health insurance and retirement programs, among other good benefits.

• Different working environments

BCBAs can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Medical clinics

• Behavioral clinics

• Schools

• Homes

This means many BCBAs can experience an amount of autonomy in terms of scheduling. Those who practice from home or travel to see their patients tend to have the most flexibility.

Cons:

• Emotional stress of the job

Because BCBAs work with individuals, including children, who have behavioral issues and mental issues and conditions, the stress of the job can often be quite taxing.

BCBAs must continue their education to maintain their certification. This process can be time-consuming and costly. Those seeking to enter this field should research all certification and renewal requirements in order to better inform their decision.

• Administrative work

Professionals in this field often get saddled with a lot of administrative work, including paperwork like assessment reports and treatment plans for patients. It is a necessity of the job, unfortunately, and ultimately it can take away from the amount of time you dedicate to patient care.

• Complex ethical challenges

All BCBAs must adhere to strict ethical codes when working with their clients. Terminating services and navigating conflicts of interest are two uncomfortable situations that can arise during a BCBAs' career.