How to Become a BCBA in Minnesota
Ready to become a BCBA in Minnesota? The job market looks promising. Board Certified Behavior Analysts in Minneapolis will see a 20% job growth over the next decade. This growth shows how educational and healthcare settings across the state need more behavior analysts.
On top of that, it pays well to work in Minneapolis as a BCBA. The annual salary averages $75,000—beating the national average by 10%. Minnesota proves to be an excellent choice for aspiring behavior analysts. The numbers tell a compelling story. Back in 2000, autism affected just 2.5% of children in Minnesota’s special education system. This number jumped to 13.15% by 2013-14.
The career outlook keeps getting better. Job openings for behavior analysts and mental health professionals should rise by 25% between 2019 and 2029. The path requires dedication—BCBA certification programs around Minneapolis take 1.5 to 2 years of graduate studies plus 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork.
This career path offers great rewards. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about becoming a BCBA in Minnesota—from education requirements and certification steps to salary potential and career paths.
Education Requirements for Minnesota BCBAs
A career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Minnesota needs specific educational and credentialing requirements. The path needs dedication because you’ll need graduate-level education and extensive supervised experience.
Licensure Timeline and Requirements
Starting January 1, 2025, Minnesota law required anyone practicing applied behavior analysis to be licensed, unless exempt. Licensed psychologists who practice behavior analysis don’t need an additional license as a behavior analyst.
You must meet these requirements to qualify as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in Minnesota:
- A current and active national certification as a board-certified behavior analyst issued by the certifying entity
- A successful criminal background check
Degree Requirements
BCBA certification starts with a master’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited institution. Your program should line up with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) standards to meet all certification criteria.
Most programs need about 33 credits and a capstone research project. Your studies will cover the BACB’s 6th Edition Test Content list, which gives you the professional skills you need.
Supervised Experience Requirements
Your academic work isn’t enough – you need real-life experience too. The BACB asks for either:
- 1,500 hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork, or
- 2,000 hours of Supervised Fieldwork
Programs like the University of Minnesota’s build fieldwork into their curriculum. Students usually spend up to 20 hours each week getting hands-on experience at partner sites during each semester. This hands-on work helps develop clinical skills and puts theory into real-life practice.
Examination Requirement
The BCBA examination by the BACB comes after you finish your education and supervised experience. This detailed test checks your knowledge of applied behavior analysis principles and practices.
Minnesota Educational Pathways
Minnesota has several schools with programs designed for future BCBAs:
University of Minnesota’s Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis program has both coursework and supervised fieldwork opportunities. Students get ready for the certification exam while gaining hands-on experience.
St. Cloud State University runs an ABAI-accredited Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis program. They accept applications yearly starting October 1. You’ll need a personal statement, professional resume, transcripts, and three recommendation letters. The selection team values letters from board-certified behavior analysts and faculty members highly.
Professionals who already have graduate degrees can complete a Verified Course Sequence to get the essential BCBA coursework. This sequence usually needs seven courses totaling 21 credit hours, verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
Alternative Qualification Path
Minnesota statutes offer another way besides BCBA certification. You might qualify for licensure if you’ve “completed the equivalent requirements for certification by the certifying entity, including satisfactorily passing a psychometrically valid examination administered by a nationally accredited credentialing organization”. The Minnesota Board of Psychology currently reviews what counts as equivalent qualifications.
Online learning makes education more available, especially if you’re working. You can balance your studies with work and personal life while meeting all requirements.
Getting ready for each step of this educational experience will help you succeed in becoming a licensed BCBA in Minnesota.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
The path to becoming a BCBA in Minnesota requires completing your education and getting proper licensure and credentials. Minnesota will require anyone practicing applied behavior analysis to be licensed by the Minnesota Board of Psychology As of January 1, 2025. This makes it the 38th state to license Applied Behavior Analysis.
BCBA Certification and Minnesota Licensure Process
Your journey starts with certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This certification is the foundation for Minnesota licensure. Here are the steps you need to take to become a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in Minnesota after getting your BCBA certification:
- Submit your application and fees – Fill out the online application through the Minnesota Board of Psychology and pay the non-refundable application fee of $225.00
- Provide certification evidence – Send documentation that shows your active national certification as a BCBA or BCBA-D from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
- Submit official transcripts – Ask your university to send official college transcripts directly to the Board
- Request BACB verification letter – Get a verification letter from the BACB website for about $25.00
- Complete background checks – Go through both FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) background studies. The FBI check costs $18.25 and the BCA check costs $15.00
You’ll receive email instructions about fingerprinting locations and paperwork. Most applicants use their local police department for fingerprinting, which usually costs between $10.00-$25.00.
License Maintenance and Renewal
The Minnesota Board of Psychology will issue your License Behavior Analyst credential after approving your application. You must keep this license current through:
- Biennial renewal (every two years)
- Payment of the $225.00 renewal fee
- Proof of current and active national certification as a behavior analyst from the certifying entity
You’ll get a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes instructions to access the online renewal application and associated fees.
Exemptions to Licensing Requirements
Several professionals don’t need the LBA credential. These include:
- Licensed psychologists practicing behavior analysis
- People working under licensed psychologist supervision
- State-licensed, certified, or registered professionals within their practice scope
- School district employees providing behavior analysis services
- Employees of programs licensed under chapter 245D who provide behavioral support services
- People teaching behavior analysis or conducting research in accredited schools
- Family members of behavior analysis service recipients
Preparing for the BCBA Examination
The BCBA examination by the BACB comes before licensure application. This full assessment has 150 multiple-choice questions covering measurement, experimental design, behavior change procedures, and ethical considerations.
These study resources can help you succeed:
- The Applied Behavior Analysis textbook (also known as “the Cooper book”)
- Mock exams from sources like BOOST and ABA Tech
- Study groups with peers preparing for the same examination
- Online resources and mobile apps like ABA Wizard for on-the-go studying
The Board of Psychology will review your materials and send your Behavior Analyst License via email after approving your application and verifying all requirements.
Salaries for BCBAs in Minnesota
Minnesota attracts Board Certified Behavior Analysts with competitive pay packages. The state’s salary structure helps professionals like you map out a clear career path while working toward BCBA certification.
Recent data shows BCBAs in Minnesota earn an average of $87,241 annually. This breaks down to $41.94 per hour, $1,677 weekly, or $7,270 monthly. The state ranks among the top 10 nationwide for behavior analyst compensation.
Your earning potential varies based on your experience and where you work in Minnesota. New BCBAs start at around $64,274 (25th percentile). Experienced professionals can earn up to $88,600 (75th percentile). The highest earners take home about $129,772 yearly. The $16,100 gap between percentiles shows room to grow based on your skills, location, and experience.
Experience pays off well. BCBAs in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington can earn up to $122,180 at the 90th percentile. Starting salaries in this area begin at $39,560 (10th percentile).
Your location in Minnesota plays a big role in what you earn. Here’s a city-by-city breakdown:
| City | Annual Salary |
| Excelsior | $99,589 |
| Shakopee | $95,215 |
| Elk River | $94,313 |
| Saint Paul | $94,291 |
| Plymouth | $94,014 |
Source:
Your workplace setting shapes your pay scale. Private practice BCBAs earn the most ($80,000 to $120,000). Healthcare settings follow ($70,000 to $100,000), then education ($65,000 to $90,000). Non-profit and government roles typically pay less ($60,000 to $80,000).
The job market looks bright. Behavior analysis should grow 20% over eight years and 22% over the next decade. This growth is a big deal as it means that the field outpaces most other professions. Look at the numbers: from just 5,000 BCBA therapists nationwide in 2013 to 48,000 by 2022.
Certified Analytics Professional roles in Minnesota might interest you too. These positions pay about 39% more ($34,058 higher) than the average BCBA salary.
These salary figures paint a clear picture of what you can expect after completing your education and certification. Strong job growth paired with competitive pay makes this field an excellent career choice in Minnesota.
Careers in Minnesota
The job market for BCBAs in Minnesota continues to grow with plenty of opportunities. Minnesota became the 38th state to license Applied Behavior Analysis on January 1, 2025, and qualified behavior analysts now have more professional options than ever before.
Right now, Minnesota has about 147 BCBA job openings throughout the state. These positions range from clinical work to educational and leadership roles. The career outlook remains strong despite a 17% drop in jobs from 2023 to 2024, which is different from the national growth rate of 14% during this time.
BCBAs in Minnesota can work in several settings:
- Clinical Environments: BCBAs often work in autism clinics and ABA therapy centers where they design treatment plans and lead implementation teams
- Educational Settings: Public and private schools hire BCBAs to create behavior intervention plans and help with inclusive learning
- Leadership Positions: Experienced professionals can move up to clinical director roles or program management positions
- Home-Based Services: Some BCBAs choose to support families through direct home consultation
- Private Practice: Entrepreneurial professionals can start their own clinics anywhere in Minnesota
The most common job titles you’ll see in Minnesota include Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Clinical Director, Assistant Clinical Director, and Mental Health Professional specializing in autism services. Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul have lots of healthcare facilities and schools that need qualified behavior analysts.
Minnesota BCBAs also have great opportunities in research and teaching. The University of Minnesota’s CARE-ABA lab, which opened in 2019, has positions that help “create a platform for facilitating the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge” while promoting “more inclusive and equitable practices”. This path lets BCBAs shape the field’s future.
The slight decrease in job postings doesn’t tell the whole story. Minnesota still has “individuals in need of behavioral services outnumber providers, with many families in need of services on waitlists”. This means job security looks promising for new professionals.
New BCBAs usually start as Behavior Analysis Practicum or Behavior Therapists. Starting wages typically range from $24-30 per hour based on experience. On top of that, many employers offer health insurance, retirement plans, and help with professional development.
The state’s new licensure laws created an official title—Licensed Behavior Analyst. This recognition helps with insurance payments and gives BCBAs more ways to provide services.
Minneapolis-St. Paul remains the main hub for BCBA jobs, but you can find work all over the state. Rural areas show promise as services expand—the number of U.S. counties without BCBAs has dropped from 54% to 46% in recent years.
These diverse career paths give valuable insight to anyone who wants to become a BCBA in Minnesota. Legal recognition, clear demand, and various work settings make Minnesota a great place for behavior analysts at any career stage.
Next Steps
A career as a BCBA in Minnesota comes with exceptional prospects and great financial benefits. This piece has shown you the complete path to certification. You’ll need to get your master’s degree, finish supervised fieldwork and pass the BACB examination. The state started its licensure process on January 1, 2025, making Minnesota the 38th state to license Applied Behavior Analysis.
Now is the perfect time to enter this field. The growth rate will hit 20% in the next decade. This is a big deal as it means that average professional growth rates will create many opportunities in clinical environments, educational settings, and private practices. Minnesota ranks among the top-paying states for behavior analysts nationwide, with average annual salaries of $87,241.
The trip takes commitment – two years of graduate coursework plus 1,500 hours of supervised experience. The investment pays off well with competitive pay and the chance to make a real difference. Job security stays strong because qualified professionals are in short supply. Many families sit on waitlists for behavior analysis services.
BCBAs’ skills are valued highly in Minneapolis-St. Paul’s urban centers and rural communities alike. Recent state licensure laws have created better professional recognition and more service delivery options. The requirements may look extensive, but Minnesota’s educational programs design their curricula to help you succeed in certification.
Each step in becoming a Minnesota BCBA builds skills that will benefit your entire career. Competitive salaries, strong job growth, and meaningful work make this profession rewarding for those who complete the certification trip.