Nebraska’s BCBA certification path has become more well-laid-out since the state joined other jurisdictions that license behavior analysts in 2023. The timing works perfectly if you want to pursue this career, as Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services started giving licenses to behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts in September 2024.

BCBA certification stands as a nationally recognized credential from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This credential forms the basis for state licensure in Nebraska. You’ll need to complete 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork and meet specific education requirements. ABA therapy has proven highly effective in supporting people with autism, and qualified therapists are in high demand throughout the state.

ABA therapists in Nebraska can expect to earn between $35,000 and $50,000 yearly. The field’s growth received a boost after a most important class action suit in March 2016. This lawsuit helped Medicaid-eligible families with autistic children get access to ABA services, creating more career opportunities in this meaningful field.

This guide walks you through everything you need to get your BCBA certification in Nebraska. You’ll learn about education requirements, licensing procedures, and what your career could look like.

Education Requirements for Nebraska BCBAs

Your BCBA certification experience in Nebraska starts with meeting specific educational requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). You need to get a master’s degree or higher in behavior analysis, psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution.

Getting the right educational credentials needs several key components that work together to prepare you for success in this specialized field. The master’s degree is an important part of your professional preparation and gives you the advanced knowledge to understand complex behavioral theories and implement effective interventions.

Master’s Degree Programs in Nebraska

Nebraska gives you several educational paths if you want to become a behavior analyst. The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute, through collaboration with the University of Nebraska Omaha, has a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program that meets BACB requirements. This two-year, full-time program trains students to provide essential services for children and adolescents, especially when you have behavioral and neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Students need to complete 51-54 credit hours to get their Master of Science Degree in Psychology. The program takes two years of full-time study. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the course sequence to make students eligible for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney has a Master of Education in Special Education with a Behavioral Intervention Specialist emphasis that arranges with ABA principles. This program prepares educators to assess and address behavioral and emotional disorders in students.

Required Coursework

Your education must meet BACB requirements with specific coursework covering everything in behavior analysis. BACB standards require these course hours:

Ethics Code and Professionalism: 45 hours
Philosophical Underpinnings and Concepts: 90 hours
Measurement, Data Display and Experimental Design: 45 hours
Behavior Assessment: 45 hours
Behavior-Change Procedures and Interventions: 60 hours
Personnel Supervision and Management: 60 hours

So, check that your chosen program has all required coursework components. The best way to ensure your education meets these requirements is to pick a program accredited by the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) or recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Verified Course Sequence Programs

The University of Nebraska Medical Center and University of Nebraska Omaha programs are approved Verified Course Sequences (VCS). These programs meet all BACB coursework requirements. Students from these programs showed exceptional success, with first-time BCBA exam pass rates above 90% since 2010.

Note that ABAI will stop its VCS system on December 31, 2025. Starting in 2026, universities must prove their coursework standards through a course-by-course review. The University of Nebraska Omaha’s MS program already meets these upcoming BCBA coursework requirements.

Application Requirements

Master’s programs in Nebraska usually need these items:

Official transcripts from each college attended
A statement of purpose outlining your goals and objectives
A writing sample that shows your scholarly abilities
A professional resume
Three letters of recommendation

Your master’s degree program is an essential part of your BCBA career. These programs give you the advanced knowledge and skills in behavioral therapy if you have various needs. This positions you to make meaningful contributions in Nebraska’s behavioral health world.

Getting Your Licensure and Credentials

Your next significant step toward becoming a BCBA in Nebraska is getting proper licensure and credentials after completing your educational requirements. Beginning September 2, 2024 (one year after September 2, 2023), Nebraska law requires behavior analysts to have a state license. Nebraska now joins other states in regulating applied behavior analysis practice.

The state provides two types of credentials: Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) and Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LaBA). These credentials will give practitioners proof they meet standards and have the right knowledge and skills to treat patients effectively.

BACB Certification Requirements

Nebraska requires you to get certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) before applying for licensure. The board made this certification a requirement for state licensure. You need either the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral® (BCBA-D®) certification for LBA credentials. BCaBA® certification is needed if you want Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst credentials.

The BCBA exam is a vital part of getting certified. The BACB gives this detailed assessment with 150 multiple-choice questions. Your BCBA certification shows you’re competent in ABA therapy worldwide once you pass.

Nebraska Licensure Process

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) handles state licensure applications after you get your BACB certification. Here’s what you need to do:

Submit a completed application to Nebraska DHHS
Pay the application fee
Show proof of BACB certification
Complete a background check

If you have past criminal convictions, Nebraska’s Preliminary Application Conviction Review can help. You can find out if your conviction blocks you from getting a license before going through the full application. The review costs $100 per license type.

Supervision Requirements

Licensed Assistant Behavior Analysts must work under a Licensed Behavior Analyst’s close supervision. This setup helps assistant analysts grow professionally while getting proper guidance. The supervising LBA must document the process and take responsibility for the assistant’s work.

Ethics and Professional Standards

Nebraska law requires BCBAs to follow ethical guidelines and practice standards. These rules protect clients and keep the profession’s integrity strong. The BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts gives detailed guidance about professional conduct.

Maintaining Your Certification and License

Your credentials need regular updates through professional development. The BACB requires certified professionals to complete 32 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. This requirement keeps practitioners current with field advances.

License renewal needs proof of completed CEUs with your application. The Nebraska DHHS still works on specific renewal processes. Check their website regularly for updates.

Nebraska doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with other states yet. Licensed professionals from elsewhere can transfer their credentials by showing current license verification, proof of continuing education, and submitting a DHHS application.

These licensure and certification steps will help you practice legally and ethically as a behavior analyst in Nebraska. Your work will be a great way to get valuable services to people with autism and other behavioral needs.

Salaries for BCBAs in Nebraska

BCBAs in Nebraska can earn good money. Recent data shows these professionals make $84,929 per year on average. This makes it a rewarding career choice for qualified practitioners.

Salaries vary quite a bit based on experience, location, and where you work. New BCBAs see different starting pay depending on their city. Professionals with ten years of experience earn much more.

Nebraska BCBAs can earn anywhere from $45,289 to $142,064. Most make between $70,600 (25th percentile) and $86,300 (75th percentile). Top performers in the 90th percentile take home about $126,332 each year. Your income can grow a lot as you move up in your career.

Your location really affects how much you earn. BCBAs in Plattsmouth make the highest yearly salary at $97,237. Scottsbluff follows close behind at $95,017. Here’s what other cities pay:

Grand Island: $88,991 annually
South Sioux City: $88,057 annually
Norfolk: $87,745 annually
Springfield: $87,209 annually

Experience makes a big difference in what you earn. Omaha’s experienced BCBAs with ten years of work make around $58,400, with top earners reaching $76,000. New behavior analysts there start at about $49,054, and can reach $64,000 in the 90th percentile.

Where you work matters too. Omaha’s government jobs offer the best pay for experienced professionals at $62,236. Private companies come next at $60,138. School districts pay well at $59,528. Omaha Public Schools lists BCBA positions paying $60,431.80 to $78,646.80 yearly.

BCBAs see their salaries grow steadily. Data shows yearly increases of more than $1,000 over ten years. Fremont leads with nearly $1,400 more each year. This suggests great long-term earning potential there.

Certified Analytics Professional jobs pay about 39% more than BCBA positions – that’s $33,154 more per year. This helps put BCBA pay rates in context.

Nebraska BCBAs earn around $40.83 per hour. This adds up to $1,633 weekly or $7,077 monthly.

Nebraska ranks 50th nationwide for BCBA salaries. However, you can still earn more based on your skills, location, and experience. This information helps anyone thinking about becoming a BCBA in Nebraska plan their career and financial future.

Careers in Nebraska

BCBAs in Nebraska can find great opportunities in many settings, and now is the perfect time to join this growing field. The national projected growth rate for behavior analysts shows a remarkable 22% increase over the next decade, which points to strong job prospects across the state.

Nebraska’s urban job markets are booming. Families in Omaha and Lincoln actively look for qualified professionals to provide ABA therapy services. In spite of that, rural areas give behavior analysts a chance to help underserved populations.

BCBAs in Nebraska work in various settings including:

Educational institutions (public and private schools)
Healthcare facilities and clinics
Private practices and agencies
State government organizations
University research and clinical departments

The State of Nebraska, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Mosaic, and several school districts need qualified BCBAs. These districts include Omaha Public Schools, Westside District 66, Bellevue Public Schools, Papillion Public Schools, and Ralston Public Schools.

Let’s look at Omaha Public Schools as an example. They often hire Board Certified Behavior Analysts with salary ranges from $60,431.80 to $78,646.80 annually. These roles need a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Education, Psychology or similar fields, plus BACB certification. Candidates should have at least three years of applied behavior analysis experience in public education.

Nebraska’s school-based BCBAs develop and implement ABA-based programs, provide behavior coaching, conduct functional behavior assessments, and work with multidisciplinary teams. They also help students who show complex behaviors and need specialized support.

BCBAs work together with many healthcare professionals outside schools. Teams often include speech-language pathologists, psychologists, occupational therapists, clinical counselors, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and social workers. This team approach helps provide complete care to people with autism and other developmental disabilities.

ABA programs are expanding throughout Nebraska, and telehealth services create new opportunities for professionals. The state’s career prospects keep getting better, thanks to recent licensing requirements for behavior analysts.

The ABA Resource Center Job Board lists many openings throughout Nebraska for qualified BCBAs. Growing demand, supportive laws, and diverse work settings make Nebraska an attractive place to build a rewarding BCBA career.

The future looks bright as more families see the value of evidence-based behavioral interventions. With expanded insurance coverage for ABA therapy, BCBAs will stay in high demand across Nebraska for years.

Next Steps

BCBA certification in Nebraska is a strategic career move, particularly since the state recently implemented official licensing requirements. This piece outlines the complete pathway to become a certified behavior analyst in Nebraska. You’ll learn about education requirements and career opportunities.

Your journey begins with a master’s degree from accredited programs like the University of Nebraska Medical Center or University of Nebraska Omaha. Choosing a program with a verified course sequence will ensure you meet all BACB coursework requirements.

Once you complete your education, you’ll need BACB certification. This allows you to apply for state licensure through Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services. The dual credential system maintains high practice standards across the state.

On top of that, BCBAs in Nebraska can expect promising financial rewards. Average annual salaries reach $84,929, and top earners make up to $142,064. Your salary potential will vary based on location, experience, and employment sector. This creates multiple paths for career advancement.

BCBAs can work in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, private practices, and government organizations. The field projects a 22% growth rate over the next decade. This makes job prospects exceptionally strong throughout Nebraska.

Note that keeping up with continuing education requirements maintains your certification and license while building your professional skills. BCBA certification leads to a rewarding career. You’ll help people with autism and other behavioral needs while enjoying competitive pay and job security. The future looks bright for behavior analysts in Nebraska as qualified professionals are in high demand. This growth comes with increased recognition of ABA therapy’s effectiveness.

How to Get Your BCBA Certification in Nebraska: A Step-by-Step Guide