Addressing the growing demand for qualified behavioral therapists in the treatment of individuals with autism and other developmental conditions, the psychology department at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences is implementing a new program for graduate students seeking a professional certificate in applied behavioral analysis.
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The post-baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program is a structured, full-time graduate program designed to benefit students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. The year-long certification program begins in the fall 2016 semester.
“The program will provide students with excellent classroom instruction as well as the opportunity to gain specialized practicum experience working in our on-site clinic alongside University of Miami faculty,” said Dr. Anibal Gutierrez, a research associate professor in the psychology department.
Students in the graduate program who complete all coursework and experiential requirements will be eligible to take the exam to become a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). The BCaBA is a certification offered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), an internationally recognized credentialing agency for practitioners of applied behavior analysis.
The program is designed to provide graduate students with the knowledge of behavior analytic concepts and clinical competency while also acquiring the skills to uphold and maintain ethical and responsible conduct, as defined by the BACB.
Currently, the demand for behavior analysts is growing in today’s job market, and according to the BACB’s website, there has been a constant increase in individuals seeking the certification since its inception in 1999.
The method of applied behavioral analysis is a recommended treatment for individuals with autism and endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, among others.
June 07, 2016
