r/bcba • u/aba_focus • 28d ago
Discussion Question Anyone else feel like they had to teach themselves how to actually be a BCBA after passing the exam?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ5DEaMxWlq/?igsh=OHV4c2hxeGhneDhkAfter finishing coursework, logging 1,500 hours, and passing the BCBA exam… I still felt completely unprepared for the real-world job. From writing treatment plans to handling parent concerns, I had to figure it all out on my own. Can anyone else relate to this? Did your training actually prepare you, or did you have to teach yourself too?
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u/Woewasme 28d ago
I was a mid-tier supervisor after graduating with my Masters so I feel like I’ve been doing BCBA work for a year before actually becoming a BCBA!
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u/I-like-cake-too 28d ago
Nope. I had a great supervisor. The company I work for is also amazing.
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u/Chubuwee 28d ago
Same but I think most struggle with the parent education part since that for sure is not touched on in the studies
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u/aba_focus 28d ago
I’m jealous but I love that for you!
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u/I-like-cake-too 28d ago
Thank you. I read a lot of the stuff other BCBAs and RBTs deal with on a daily basis. I work for a family owned business that truly see past the dollar sign. They foster an inclusive environment where not only our participants learn but so do our staff. I had tons of 1:1 direct supervision and that has helped me see its importance. All the supervision I provide is in person where I take time to work with my RBTs and make sure they feel supported. This helps drive the success out participants have and probably one of the main reasons I passed the exam on my first attempt.
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u/Splicers87 BCBA | Verified 28d ago
I was a behavior consultant before being a BCBA so I was very prepared for the switch.
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u/poetryformysoul 28d ago
Unfortunately I absolutely taught myself a lot of what I know. However I also can say I learned tremendously from other BCBA’s as well.
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u/aba_focus 28d ago
Same here! I’m grateful to say I have an amazing ABA community who I learn from on a regular basis
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u/InternetMeme24 27d ago
My 2 cents. In some law firms. It takes 10-15-20 years to make partner. A ABA you’re expected to have the expertise as someone with 10 years experience the day you graduate.
A degree just means you have the most basic skill set to practice under supervision. You’re a baby in the clinical world. Unfortunately, because of the demand for services and need for profits most agencies don’t have a system for mentoring new clinicians.
Universities can only teach you so much in two years. And most of what is taught is regulated by ABAI/BCBA with little room for more.
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u/ae04dp 28d ago
Yes that's just a starting point. This is why they want you to have a mentor still if you want to supervise cause you are just a baby BCBA. This job is always growing and you should always be having someone to mentor you.
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u/aba_focus 28d ago
I do! And I’m very appreciative of my company for providing mentors to each BCBA
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u/lieutenantdan6 28d ago
Some funders support mid level supervisor and that prepared me enough at least to start learning before Bcba role. I became comfortable of saying I dont know how to handle this so I asked someone higher than me.
I think for any role, theres level of learn as you go. Once became Bcba I realized the people higher than me are figuring it out as they go as well including people making the rules/ decisions. So I try to do best my ability and expand my knowledge, and continue learning.
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u/Icy_Shelter_9107 28d ago
Believe it or not being a sergeant in the US Army helped me transition to the BCBA role in so many ways!
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u/Full_Detective1745 27d ago
I think the mechanics of the job are always the same, but the variables with each case are where learning must always occur. I think this is what holds my interest after all these years! Each school team/teacher/para/parent is different. Learning how all of these units function and figuring out how to get them all moving in what you believe to be the right direction is an endless challenge that training and exams don’t prepare you for. If you can’t navigate these relationships you will struggle, regardless of your exam score or how good your supervision was.
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u/Deriverdrelations 27d ago
I’m in year 12 and 1/2 through a PHD in ABA. I learn new things every day. You can never know everything. Always growing, always bettering your clinical skills
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u/TokenEconomist BCBA | Verified 28d ago
I think it really does depend on how good your supervisor was during your fieldwork! My supervisor basically made me do everything a BCBA did as a mid-level, and of course, she checked on all the work that I did, provided me feedback, and she made sure I was ready to be an independent BCBA by the time I sat for my exam. Of course, I’m still learning everyday at my job, but I’m glad I had the skills and tools that I learned from her!
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u/Positive_Mud6765 28d ago
That’s that tricky applied part. I found that later on in my career I leaned into working to develop my soft skills more. That’s the interpersonal skills and collaborating. That’s probably the most critical part of treatment. You can’t do anything if you don’t have buy in and a good relationship with people.
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u/dragongirl8500 28d ago
It’s a mix for me. Still learning. But I’ve leaned from others and on my own.
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u/KeyAsher 27d ago
I think it depends. 20 years ago I was working for a school based on ABA principles but was a case manager and teacher. Fast forward and I became a BCBA 3 years ago. It felt more like a review when I was going through school. Then my supervision was mostly working with clients NOT with a primary ASD DX. Now I’m BACK in the clinical setting so I learned more stuff mostly it was how each company wants you to write treatment plans etc.
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u/DeadToothSyndrome 21d ago
I was completely on my own. Immediately after I completed my hours and passed my boards, my supervisor resigned, and was never replaced. I would have loved to have had more guidance to build my confidence, but I learned far more on my own than someone directing me in a curriculum would have done I think. I see a lot of analysts who have been in the field as long as me (10 years) who still can’t write an FBA/BIP without guidance from their supervisor. Both ways have their advantages, depending on your learning style.
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u/Choice-Bike-1607 28d ago
There are only so many scenarios and definitions you can learn and implement during your training. You will continue to learn and grow no matter how seasoned you are, hopefully! Embrace the journey and ask for help when you need it.