There are many reasons to pursue a career in behavioral analysis. The primary reason for most students is that it offers a meaningful way to help people. Behavioral analysts work with individuals, families, and groups to help them overcome mental health challenges and improve their lives. This work can be incredibly fulfilling, as you are able to see the positive impact of your work in a tangible way. However, there are a wide range of settings in which qualified professionals in the field can work. If you want to learn more, read on to find out about some potential workplaces for those with a behavioral analysis degree.
What is Behavioral Analysis?
Behavioral analysis is a type of therapy that is used to help people change the way they behave. It is based on the idea that people behave in ways that are learned, and that they can learn new behaviors to replace the ones that they want to change. There are many techniques that are used by behavioral analysts during therapeutic treatment, including: observing and recording behavior patterns, working with patients to practice new behaviors, and providing feedback on progress. This can be a rewarding field for anyone who is interested in a career that involves helping people improve their lives in a significant way.
The most common path to a career in behavioral analysis is to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or another related field. However, some behavioral analysts also have degrees in social work, special education, or counseling. Once you’ve received a bachelor’s degree, you can opt to continue your education. You can even work towards a graduate level behavior analysis degree online. Online degree programs provide many advantages, including the ability to work at your own pace and maintain a job or care for your family while you complete your education.
Professionals with a graduate degree in behavior analysis can work in many settings, which we’ll go over in detail below. However, if you want a general idea of what type of salary and job growth you can expect, psychologists of all types earn well above the average median salary in the United States. Those who work specifically in substance abuse and behavioral disorders earn slightly less, but job growth is projected to be 23 percent between 2020 and 2030, which represents faster growth than the national average.
What are Potential Workplaces for those with a Behavioral Analysis Degree?
Those with behavioral analysis degrees often work in rehab facilities for those with different types of mental health conditions. For example, if you want to work with young adults struggling with mood disorders, you could look for a job at a teenage rehab for depression. These depression treatment centers provide valuable services for teens who are in crisis and their family members. They offer many treatment options, including residential programs that provide 24/7 care. If your clinical interests include mood disorders or mental health, you may want to consider being a part of the supportive environment at a rehab facility.
People with degrees in behavior analysis can also work in a hospital setting. Behavior analysts can work as part of a treatment team in a psychiatric hospital, helping to design and implement treatment programs for patients with various psychiatric disorders. They may also work with hospital staff to assess and treat patients with disruptive or self-injurious behaviors. There are specific pressures and challenges that can go along with hospital work, including lack of sleep and stress, but they can be managed with healthier lifestyle choices. Though it isn’t for everyone, some mental health professionals prefer the fast-paced hospital environment.
As you can see, people with degrees in behavioral analysis can choose from several different work settings. The best choice depends entirely on your professional interests and the type of work environment you prefer. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so you should focus on choosing the setting where you feel most comfortable. The good news is that qualified behavioral analysts receive above average salaries and the industry is projected for solid job growth over the next decade. That means no matter what type of job you’re interested in, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding opportunities.