BCBA Certification in Louisiana

Looking to become a certified behavior analyst in Louisiana? The timing is perfect, especially since about 20% of youth here faced at least one major depressive episode in the last year.

The job market for behavior analysts keeps growing steadily. Job listings went up from 460 in 2022 to 469 in 2023 – a 2% increase that shows the steady need for qualified professionals. Many students land jobs before they even finish their BCBA exams.

The salaries are pretty good as well. Louisiana’s board certified behavior analysts earn around $73,231 annually, with some cities offering even better pay. BCBAs in Lake Charles, Monroe, and Shreveport make $86,447, $85,518, and $79,210 respectively.

Louisiana started licensing Behavior Analysts back in 2014 through Act 351. The Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board now has a clear path to certification. This guide walks you through every LBA certification requirement – from education to licensing steps – to help you start your career in applied behavior analysis.

Education Requirements for Louisiana BCBAs

Your trip to become a certified behavior analyst in Louisiana starts with the right education. BCBA credentials just need specific academic qualifications that you should plan carefully.

You’ll first have to get a master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution to qualify for BCBA certification in Louisiana. A doctoral degree or educational specialist (Ed.S.) degree works too, but most people choose the master’s path. Your degree should be in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field that lines up with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) standards.

Your degree program should have specific coursework that meets BACB’s requirements. The graduate-level courses should cover these key topics:

• Ethics in behavior analysis
• Assessment methodologies
• Intervention strategies
• Experimental design
• Behavioral theory foundations

The BACB’s updated BCBA/BCaBA Coursework Requirements standards in 2022 spell out the content areas your coursework must cover. These standards help you build a complete knowledge base to work effectively.

Louisiana universities offer several programs that meet these requirements. Louisiana State University Shreveport’s (LSUS) Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (MSABA) prepares students for both BCBA certification and Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBA) licensure in Louisiana. The program follows a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the BACB, so graduates get all the coursework they need for the certification exam.

McNeese State University has a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a focus on Applied Behavioral Analysis. Their campus program stands out as Louisiana’s only graduate program—and one of twenty-eight master’s level programs worldwide—with accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board.

Nicholls State University offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in High-Incidence Disabilities that has an Applied Behavior Analysis option. The BACB has approved this program’s Verified Course Sequence.

Post-graduate certificate programs might be the quickest way if you already have a master’s degree in a related field. McNeese State University has a Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis with BACB-approved verified course sequence. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) also has an ABA Certificate program with 15 credit hours and an optional 16-credit-hour internship sequence.

Online programs are a great way to get your degree. McNeese State University’s online-only program follows a Verified Course Sequence, though it’s not ABAI-accredited. Students can complete their coursework without moving since advisors help set up practicums near their location.

These programs need an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. LSUS asks for official transcripts, two reference letters, a program application form, a letter of intent, and a current resumé/CV. Some programs might ask for minimum GRE scores or previous coursework in psychology and statistics.

Pick a program that meets these educational requirements, and you’ll be on your way to BCBA certification and a rewarding career in behavior analysis in Louisiana.

Getting Your Licensure and Credentials

The path to becoming a certified behavior analyst in Louisiana starts after completing your educational requirements. Louisiana started licensing Behavior Analysts in 2014 through Act 351 of the 2013 Louisiana State Legislature. This act created the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board (LBAB).

Getting BACB Certification First

You must be certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) before you can apply for licensure in Louisiana. The national certification serves as a vital step toward state licensure.

Completing Supervised Practice

The BACB certification exam requires you to complete a specific number of supervised practice hours. You can choose between two options:

• 1500 hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork (with 10% of hours supervised)
• 2000 hours of Supervised Fieldwork (with 5% of hours supervised)

Your supervised experience takes place in clinical settings. You’ll conduct assessments, design behavior analysis programs, and oversee implementation under a Licensed Behavior Analyst’s supervision.

Passing Required Examinations

After completing your supervised hours, you need to pass two exams:

1. BCBA National Examination: This four-hour exam has 175 multiple-choice questions. It covers nine categories of behavior analysis knowledge. Pearson VUE administers the exam at testing centers in Baton Rouge, Metairie, and New Orleans.
2. Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination: Every LBA applicant must pass this state-specific exam. It covers Louisiana laws and regulations for behavior analysts. The exam costs $75.

Submitting Your Application

The Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board requires several items with your application:

• A notarized application form
• Application fee of $400 for Licensed Behavior Analysts ($250 for State Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts)
• Official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution
• Verification of your BACB certification
• Criminal background check ($50 fee)
• Proof of good moral character

Background Check Requirements

Background checks are a great way to get through the application process. The LBAB requires fingerprint submission after you submit your application. The board evaluates applicants with criminal convictions based on:

• Nature and seriousness of the offense
• Time since the conviction
• Rehabilitation efforts
• License duties and responsibilities

License Renewal and Continuing Education

Louisiana behavior analyst licenses need annual renewal by June 30th. LBAs pay $200 for renewal while SCaBAs pay $125. LBAs must complete up to 32 CEUs every two years (20 for SCaBAs), depending on their original license date.

The application process usually takes 3-5 weeks from submission to license issuance. The Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board helps applicants throughout the licensing process. You can call their office at 225-295-8413 for any accommodation requests.

Salaries for BCBAs in Louisiana

Money matters a lot when you’re looking to become a certified behavior analyst in Louisiana. Your career path and planning depend on knowing what you can earn after completing your education and getting your credentials.

Salaries for BCBAs in Louisiana

BCBAs in Louisiana face both opportunities and challenges when it comes to their paychecks. The state ranks 43rd out of 50 states for BCBA salaries nationwide. But the pay remains competitive and changes based on where you work, your experience, and your workplace setting.

Recent data shows Louisiana BCBAs earn between $62,031 and $79,926 annually. These numbers vary because of different reporting methods and market conditions. Here’s what BCBAs in Louisiana typically earn:

• $5,169 to $6,660 monthly
• $1,192 to $1,537 weekly
• $29.82 to $38.43 per hour

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that experienced behavior analysts in Louisiana can make up to $64,650 per year. This serves as a starting point, especially in busy urban areas where demand runs high.

Different cities in Louisiana offer varying pay scales. ZipRecruiter’s data shows some interesting differences:

New Orleans stands out as a prime location for BCBAs. Experienced professionals in the 75th percentile earn around $110,550, while top performers in the 90th percentile make up to $119,770.

Louisiana’s salary landscape varies quite a bit. ZipRecruiter puts the average annual BCBA salary at $76,170, with a range from $40,618 to $127,415. Most positions pay between $63,300 (25th percentile) and $77,400 (75th percentile).

Career growth looks promising in Louisiana. The $14,100 gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles shows room for advancement based on your skills, location, and experience.

ZipRecruiter notes that Louisiana’s BCBA job market isn’t as active as other states right now. But cities like New Orleans keep buzzing with new opportunities.

You might want to explore related fields too. Certified analytics professionals earn about 39% more ($29,736 higher) than the average BCBA in Louisiana.

Louisiana might not top the national charts for BCBA pay, but good money can be made here. This rings especially true if you work in high-demand areas or take on specialized roles in behavior analysis.

Careers in Louisiana

Louisiana’s job market offers reliable opportunities for certified behavior analysts in this fast-growing field. BCBA professionals have seen their job market grow by 526% in recent years. This makes behavior analysis one of the fastest-growing healthcare specialties in the state.

The national employment outlook for behavior analysts remains strong. Experts project 22% growth until 2030, which is a big deal as it means that the average 5% growth across other occupations. Louisiana follows this trend with job openings throughout the state.

The current job market shows great variety in employment options. New Orleans area alone has over 129 active BCBA job listings according to ZipRecruiter. LinkedIn data reveals 36 BCBA positions available across Louisiana. These jobs are concentrated in major cities:

• Baton Rouge and surrounding areas
• New Orleans metropolitan region
• Shreveport and Bossier City
• Lake Charles
• Monroe and Ruston
• Covington and Mandeville

Several key factors drive this high demand. Louisiana passed important laws between 2008 and 2012 that guarantee steady income for certified behavior analysts. The legislation requires health insurance policies to cover applied behavior analysis treatment for autism spectrum disorders. This legal support creates a sustainable funding model for ABA services.

Certified behavior analysts in Louisiana can choose from career paths in a variety of settings and specializations. Most start in clinical practice, working in private clinics and providing in-home services. These roles typically involve RBT supervision and creating personalized treatment plans.

Schools provide another career option. These positions need knowledge of IEPs and Section 504 plans, plus expertise in behavioral support and crisis intervention within educational settings. The Emerge Center in Baton Rouge and many school districts look for qualified professionals.

Experience opens doors to supervisory and leadership roles. Job boards often list Clinical Supervisor and Director of Clinical Services positions statewide, offering better pay and more responsibility. Rise Behavioral Services in Zachary posts clinical supervisor positions paying $72,000 to $75,000 yearly.

Experienced BCBAs can start private practices or consulting businesses. Success here depends on networking skills and knowledge of local business rules. Universities like McNeese State regularly hire for academic and research positions, including Clinical Director roles for their Autism Program.

Many employers now offer big signing bonuses to attract qualified candidates. To name just one example, see Butterfly Effects, which offers $10,000 sign-on bonuses for positions in Mandeville, Marrero, Baton Rouge, and Hammond. These incentives show how much employers compete for qualified BCBAs.

Professional growth often comes through specialized education. Training programs and workshops focused on Louisiana’s unique service needs help advance your career. The Louisiana Association for Behavior Analysis provides excellent professional development resources.

Behavior analysis now helps treat many different conditions. BCBAs work with clients of all ages who face various behavioral challenges. This broader scope creates more career opportunities for certified behavior analysts throughout Louisiana.

Next Steps

A career as a certified behavior analyst in Louisiana offers rewarding opportunities and strong growth potential. This piece breaks down your BCBA experience—from educational requirements through licensure steps to salary prospects and career paths.

The path requires dedication. You’ll need a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, supervised practice hours, a passing score on the national BCBA examination, and knowledge of Louisiana’s specific jurisprudence requirements. Notwithstanding that, this credential holds increasing value in healthcare, education, and community settings.

Job prospects for BCBAs look promising in Louisiana. The state ranks 43rd nationally for average salaries, but regions like New Orleans, Shreveport, and Bossier City pay significantly more—top professionals earn well over $100,000 yearly. The field shows remarkable stability with 526% growth in demand.

Laws supporting behavior analysis services brighten the career outlook. Insurance coverage for ABA therapy creates sustainable funding models that benefit practitioners and clients.

Your BCBA certification opens many professional doors in clinical settings, schools, research institutions, or private practice. Many employers offer substantial signing bonuses to attract qualified candidates, which highlights the current gap between supply and demand.

Starting or continuing your behavior analysis career path expands your impact on Louisiana residents who face behavioral challenges. The process might seem daunting at first, but combining personal satisfaction with professional growth makes BCBA certification worth your time and effort.