How to Become a BCBA

Tulsa is emerging as a hub for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, particularly in pediatric settings where demand for skilled professionals is surging. As the owner of The Sunshine Academy Pediatric ABA Therapy, I've witnessed firsthand the critical shortage of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in our area. This shortage not only impacts families seeking high-quality ABA services for children with autism and other developmental needs but also creates tremendous opportunities for aspiring professionals. If you're a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or someone passionate about behavior analysis, pursuing BCBA certification in Tulsa could be your pathway to a rewarding career while helping to fill this gap.

At The Sunshine Academy, we're committed to supporting the next generation of BCBAs by offering supervised fieldwork opportunities, especially for those already working as RBTs. With a projected 18% growth in BCBA jobs in Tulsa over the next decade, now is the perfect time to embark on this journey. Nationally, demand for BCBAs has skyrocketed, with a 58% increase in job postings from 2023 to 2024 alone. In this intensive blog, I'll break down the steps to becoming a BCBA, highlight local and online resources, and explain how programs like ours can provide the essential supervision you need—while addressing the realities of non-billable hours and supervision contracts.

What is a BCBA and Why Does It Matter?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a graduate-level professional certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to design, implement, and oversee behavior intervention programs. BCBAs specialize in applied behavior analysis (ABA), an evidence-based approach often used to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, or behavioral challenges. In pediatric ABA therapy, like what we provide at The Sunshine Academy, BCBAs assess needs, develop treatment plans, train staff, and monitor progress to improve outcomes for children and families.

Becoming a BCBA isn't just about certification—it's about making a tangible difference. In Tulsa, where access to ABA services is limited due to the BCBA shortage, certified analysts are in high demand across clinics, schools, and hospitals. Salaries in Oklahoma average around $80,000–$100,000 annually, with experienced BCBAs earning more, reflecting the urgent need for these experts.

The Shortage of BCBAs in Tulsa: An Opportunity for Aspiring Professionals

Tulsa, like much of Oklahoma, faces a significant shortfall in BCBAs, driven by rising autism diagnoses and expanded insurance coverage for ABA therapy. Local job listings show dozens of openings for BCBAs in Tulsa alone, from pediatric clinics to school districts, with employers like Behavioral Innovations and Benchmark Human Services actively recruiting. This shortage means longer waitlists for families and strained resources for providers—but it also translates to job security and advancement for new BCBAs.

Factors contributing to the shortage include limited training programs, the intensive supervision requirements, and burnout in the field. In response, organizations like The Sunshine Academy are stepping up by mentoring RBTs and BCBA trainees, helping to build a local pipeline of certified professionals.

Step 1: Meet the Educational Requirements

To qualify for BCBA certification, you must hold a master's degree or higher from an accredited institution, along with verified coursework in behavior analysis. The BACB offers several pathways, but the most common (Pathway 2) requires a graduate degree that includes behavior-analytic coursework and supervised fieldwork. The degree can be in any field, but it must incorporate the required Verified Course Sequence (VCS) or be in an acceptable discipline like behavior analysis, psychology, or education to align with BACB standards. If your degree is in an unrelated field, you can still qualify by completing a VCS-approved graduate certificate or standalone coursework to supplement it.

Qualifying Bachelor's Degrees for Pursuing a Master's in ABA

While BCBA certification requires a master's level education, your bachelor's degree serves as the foundation for admission into a master's program in ABA or a related field. Most online and traditional ABA master's programs accept bachelor's degrees in related disciplines, as this ensures you have the prerequisite knowledge for graduate-level study. Acceptable bachelor's fields typically include:

• Psychology: This is the most common and directly relevant, covering foundational concepts like learning theory, human development, and research methods. Graduates with a B.A. or B.S. in Psychology often transition seamlessly into ABA master's programs.

• Education or Special Education: Ideal for those interested in school-based ABA, this background provides knowledge of teaching strategies, child development, and inclusive practices. A B.Ed. or similar degree is highly valued.

• Social Work or Human Services: These degrees emphasize behavioral interventions, ethics, and client support, making them suitable for ABA's focus on improving quality of life.

• Sociology or Anthropology: If your coursework included behavioral sciences, research, or social dynamics, these can qualify, though you may need additional prerequisites.

• Biology or Neuroscience: For those with a science-oriented background, these fields offer understanding of biological bases of behavior, which can be advantageous in advanced ABA studies.

• Other Related Fields: Degrees in counseling, child development, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology are often accepted, as they overlap with ABA principles.

Many programs accept bachelor's degrees in any field if you demonstrate relevant experience (e.g., as an RBT) or complete prerequisite courses in areas like introductory psychology, statistics, or ethics. Admission requirements usually include a minimum GPA (often 3.0+), letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes GRE scores or ABA experience. For example, programs like Arizona State University's online MA in Special Education – ABA require a bachelor's from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA, while University of Washington's program prefers six months of ABA experience. Always check specific program admissions pages, as flexibility varies.

Note: As of 2025, your coursework must be completed within the last 10 years to apply for certification.

Local and Online Program Options

In Tulsa, local options include:

• Oklahoma State University (OSU): Offers a Master of Science in Special Education with embedded coursework for BCBA certification. This program prepares students for national board certification and has a 100% job placement rate in K-12 and clinical settings.

• University of Oklahoma (OU): Provides a 21-credit Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (fully online and synchronous), ideal for working professionals in Tulsa. This VCS-approved program focuses on ethical ABA practices and can complement an existing master's degree.
  

For greater flexibility, especially for Tulsa residents balancing work and study, online master's programs in ABA are excellent options. These programs are fully remote, VCS-verified, and prepare you for the BCBA exam. Here are some top affordable and reputable online programs as of 2025:

Institution	Program	Format	Credits	Estimated Total Cost	Key Features & Admission Notes
Texas Tech University	M.Ed. in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	36	~$7,182 ($199.50/credit)	ABAI-accredited; requires bachelor's in psychology, education, or related field; focuses on practical applications.
University of West Florida	M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	21	~$8,076 ($384.60/credit)	VCS-verified; accepts bachelor's in related fields like psychology or social work; emphasizes research and ethics.
Portland State University	M.S. in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	45	~$17,257 ($383.50/credit)	Includes certificate option; prefers bachelor's in education or behavioral sciences; strong on intervention strategies.
Ball State University	M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	30	Under $16,000	VCS-verified; open to any bachelor's with 3.0 GPA; autism emphasis, no GRE required.
University of South Florida	M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	41	$24,600 ($600/credit)	Flat rate for all students; requires bachelor's in related field; includes fieldwork prep.
Arizona State University	M.A. in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	30	~$17,280/year (tuition + fees)	VCS-verified; 3.0 GPA bachelor's required, preferably in education or psychology; synchronous classes.
Purdue Global	M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	30	~$18,900	Flexible pacing; accepts any bachelor's; focuses on BCBA exam prep.
Walden University	M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	Varies (15 months)	$32,530	Accelerated; bachelor's in any field accepted with relevant experience; financial aid available.
University of Cincinnati	M.Ed. in Foundations in Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	30	~$20,880 (tuition + fees)	VCS-verified; requires 3.0 GPA bachelor's in related area; ethical and clinical focus.
Pepperdine University	M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis	Fully Online	36	~$49,950	Evening classes; prefers psychology or education bachelor's; prepares for BCBA exam.
Florida Institute of Technology	M.A. in Behavior Analysis Practice	Fully Online	33	~$23,110	ABAI VCS verified (#51228); flexible scheduling with live meetings; meets BACB 2027 requirements; accepts bachelor's in related fields; focuses on practical competencies in ethics, assessment, and intervention.

Costs are estimates based on 2025 rates and may vary by residency, fees, or financial aid. Many programs offer scholarships, in-state tuition for online students, or employer reimbursement—check FAFSA eligibility. Affordable options like Texas Tech make BCBA education accessible, with total costs under $10,000, while premium programs like Pepperdine exceed $40,000 but offer robust support.

Other Oklahoma programs, such as those at the University of Central Oklahoma or online options from Simmons University, are accessible for Tulsa residents.

Step 2: Complete Verified Coursework

Beyond your degree, you need 270–315 hours of graduate-level coursework in ABA, following the BACB's Verified Course Sequence (VCS). This covers ethics, behavior assessment, intervention, and experimental design.

Local and online VCS programs are listed above; search the ABAI directory for more.

Step 3: Accumulate Supervised Fieldwork Hours

This is often the most challenging step: You need 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork (or 1,500 for concentrated fieldwork) under a qualified BCBA supervisor. Hours are divided into restricted (direct client implementation, max 40%) and unrestricted (analysis, planning, training—must be at least 60%).

Unrestricted hours prepare you for independent practice and include activities like data analysis, protocol modification, staff training, and ethical decision-making. At least 50% of supervision must be individual, and you can accrue 20–130 hours per month.

Importantly, a supervision contract is required for unrestricted hour supervision. This contract is designed to allow the employer to at a minimum get back the money that they paid the BCBA supervisor to supervise the BCBA student that is a RBT. These hours are not billable, therefore, are an out-of-pocket cost for the company. Such contracts often include commitments like post-certification employment to recoup investments, ensuring mutual benefit in a field where supervision is resource-intensive.

In Tulsa, finding supervision can be tough due to the shortage, but clinics like The Sunshine Academy offer structured opportunities for RBTs to gain these hours while working.

Step 4: Pass the BCBA Exam

Once coursework and fieldwork are complete, apply via your BACB account and pass the 185-question multiple-choice exam. The exam covers basic behavior principles, assessment, intervention, and ethics. Study resources include BACB task lists, mock exams, and prep courses from providers like Behavior Development Solutions.

Oklahoma follows BACB standards—no state-specific license beyond certification, but you must apply to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services for practice approval if working with certain populations.

Local Resources and Support in Tulsa

• Universities: OSU and OU as mentioned, plus online options above.

• RBT Training: Tulsa Community College and Tulsa Tech offer 40-hour RBT courses, a great entry point for fieldwork.

• Professional Networks: Join the Oklahoma Association for Behavior Analysis (OKABA) for events, mentorship, and job leads.

• Job Boards: Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter list BCBA positions in Tulsa, with many offering supervision.

Opportunities at The Sunshine Academy: Attracting BCBA Trainees

At The Sunshine Academy Pediatric ABA Therapy, we're addressing the Tulsa shortage by investing in our team. We prioritize hiring RBTs pursuing BCBA certification and provide on-site supervised fieldwork, focusing on unrestricted hours through case reviews, program development, and parent training.

Our supervision model includes a required contract that ensures fairness: It allows us to recover the costs of paying BCBA supervisors for your training, as these hours aren't billable and represent an out-of-pocket expense. In return, you'll gain hands-on experience in a supportive pediatric environment, mentorship from experienced BCBAs, and potential full-time roles post-certification.

If you're an RBT in Tulsa ready to advance, contact us—we're eager to attract more students and build our BCBA team to serve more families.

Take the Next Step in Tulsa

Becoming a BCBA in Tulsa is a challenging but achievable goal, especially with the area's shortage creating abundant opportunities. Start with your education—whether local or online—secure VCS coursework, accumulate those crucial fieldwork hours (with a solid supervision contract), and ace the exam. At The Sunshine Academy, we're here to support you every step of the way—reach out today to discuss supervision openings and join us in bridging the BCBA gap in Tulsa.

For more details, visit the BACB website or program pages. Your future in ABA starts now!