Kentucky offers several in-person and online BCBA programs designed to train students in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). These programs offer courses that are rooted in proven scientific principles, and they prepare you to work in various settings such as schools and healthcare facilities.
By enrolling in one of Kentucky’s BCBA programs, you will be taking a significant step towards a rewarding profession where you can make a real difference in people’s lives. Let’s explore what these programs in Kentucky have to offer.
BCBA Programs in Kentucky
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering BCBA programs in Kentucky:
Northern Kentucky University
Are you considering a career where you can make a real difference in the lives of children with autism and other developmental disabilities? The Master of Arts in Education program atNorthern Kentucky Universitycan set you on the right path. This 100% online program specializes in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), equipping you with the knowledge to foster positive behavior changes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)has verified the coursework requirements of this program for eligibility to takethe Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Supervised experience must be completed before you will be eligible to sit for the exam.
The program offers a rich variety of ABA concentration courses, including:
To apply for this program, you need to:
University of Kentucky
Enroll inthe University of Kentucky’s21-credit Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) graduate certificate program and learn how to support individuals facing behavioral challenges or skill gaps. This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a BCBA, opening doors to work in diverse fields such as autism and developmental disabilities, gerontology, pediatrics, education, and health fitness.
To become a BCBA, you will need to fulfill the educational prerequisites offered in this program, which is a stepping stone towards sitting for the BCBA exam. Remember, aside from your education, you will need to gain supervised experience and go through an application process to achieve certification. Once you pass the BCBA exam, you can independently practice and even get insurance reimbursements for the services you offer.
The ABAI has verified the coursework requirements of this program for eligibility to take the BCBA examination. Supervised experience must be completed before you will be eligible to sit for the exam.
The program’s curriculum is designed to give you both academic knowledge and practical skills through courses that cover a range of topics including how to address problematic behaviors, conduct behavioral research, and build new behaviors. It lays a strong foundation in the principles and concepts of applied behavior analysis, preparing you to make a significant impact in the lives of children with disabilities and their families.
Some of the courses that you will take include:
You will be encouraged to champion the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities, fostering positive changes in society. The ultimate goal here is to shape you into a behavior analyst who can contribute meaningfully to the field of applied behavior analysis.
Before you apply, ensure you meet the following requirements:
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. These services are available completely online to meet the needs of our online students.
University of Louisville
Atthe University of Louisville, you can enroll in a M.Ed. program in Special Education, where you can specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavior Analysis. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to address behavioral challenges and needs in various community settings. You will delve deep into the foundations of behavior science, learning to apply strategies grounded in scientific principles to different behaviors and contexts.
During your studies, you will focus on treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in healthcare and educational environments. The program’s goal is to shape you into a behavior analyst who is well-versed in the science, effective in practice, and maintains ethical interactions, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals.
Upon completion, you will be prepared to take the BCBA certification examinations, meeting the necessary degree and coursework requirements. As mentioned above, if you opt for full-time enrollment, you can also accumulate most of your fieldwork hours during the program.
As a full-time students, you will benefit from a structured practical training system, dedicating around 15 hours per week across four out of the five semesters to practicum coursework. This hands-on experience at community sites, such as schools, clinics, and hospitals, will allow you to work alongside skilled BCBA professionals, gaining valuable experience.
Overall, the program promotes six core values:
To enroll, you do not need a specific undergraduate degree or teacher certification. To apply, you will need to:
Eastern Kentucky University Online
Enroll in EKU’s 100% online certificate program in applied behavior analysis, which offers you a quicker route to achieving the BCBA credential, provided you already have a master’s degree.
This well-rounded program is based on proven principles and practices, preparing you to embark on a fruitful career in the ever-growing field of applied behavior analysis. Upon completion, you will be equipped to work in various settings such as schools, community centers, or residential facilities, assisting a wide range of individuals including children, adults, and seniors.
EKU’s curriculum combines academic learning and practical training, covering essential topics such as managing problematic behaviors, conducting behavioral research, fostering new behaviors, and understanding the core concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis.
During the program, you will take seven courses:
The program fulfills the educational criteria needed for you to pursue a career as a BCBA. If you hold a qualifying degree and have met the supervised experience requirements, you will be eligible to take the BCBA exam. Passing this exam allows you to practice independently and to receive insurance reimbursement for the services you offer.
While the program covers the necessary ABA coursework, you will need to secure your own practical experiences to accumulate the required hours of supervised experience.
If you have credits from other recognized institutions, you can transfer up to 12 hours of those credits. However, these credits will be subject to review upon your admission to EKU to ensure they align properly with the program’s requirements.
To be eligible to apply, you must have a master’s degree (in any field) that includes specific prerequisite courses: one in research, one in statistics, and three in psychology. Additionally, you should have maintained a minimum graduate grade point average of 2.75 and submit a personal statement.
How Do I Become a BCBA in KY?
To become a BCBA in Kentucky, you must:
What is the Average Salary for a BCBA in KY?
As of November 2024, the average annual salary for a BCBA working in Kentuckyis $78,988. BCBAs working in Owensboro, Lexington, Louisville, and Covington on average earn $91,344, $90,753, $87,529 and $87,022 per year, respectively. More experienced and top earning BCBAs working in Kentucky makeover $125,000 per year.
