How to Become a BCBA in South Carolina
The job market for Board Certified Behavior Analysts will grow over 20% in the next eight years. South Carolina needs BCBAs, and getting certified here opens doors to a career field that’s expanding faster than ever.
The numbers tell an amazing story about this profession’s future. South Carolina’s BCBA workforce will grow by a lot – from about 3,000 to more than 7,000 professionals by 2030. The state’s average exam pass rate sits at 70%, so knowing the right steps toward certification is vital to your success.
Senate Bill 135 wants to remove the $50,000 cap on Applied Behavior Analysis services. This change could create more opportunities for certified professionals. BCBAs can work in schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, or private therapy providers. The career paths are varied with great growth potential.
Let’s take a closer look at everything you should know about becoming a certified behavior analyst in the Palmetto State. We’ll cover education requirements, licensure, salary expectations and more.
Education Requirements for South Carolina BCBAs
Getting certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in South Carolina starts with meeting specific educational criteria set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). These requirements help you develop expertise to serve clients with behavioral needs across the state.
Master’s Degree Requirement
BCBA certification in South Carolina requires you to get a master’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited institution. This core requirement forms the academic foundation of your professional path.
Coursework Requirements
Your master’s degree must be complemented by specific coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis. The BACB asks for 315 graduate-level clock hours (equivalent to 21 graduate-level credits) of coursework in ABA. Students typically complete seven graduate-level courses that cover various aspects of behavior analysis.
The coursework focuses on these vital areas:
- Ethics in behavior analysis
- Assessment methodologies
- Intervention strategies
- Research methods
- Functional behavior assessment
Supervised Experience Requirement
Academic requirements pair with a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised experience under a qualified BCBA mentor. This hands-on training component helps develop real-life skills. A certified BCBA must directly supervise at least 75 hours of this experience.
Program Options in South Carolina
Several South Carolina universities provide BACB-verified course sequences that meet certification requirements:
- University of South Carolina provides a 36-credit Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program has the required coursework and supervised practicum hours needed for BCBA certification. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified this program’s coursework for BCBA examination eligibility.
- Francis Marion University offers a 42-credit Master of Science in Applied Psychology with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis. The program has the verified 7-course sequence meeting BACB requirements but doesn’t include supervised experience hours.
- Arcadia University has a 30-credit online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program available to South Carolina residents.
Program Tracks and Flexibility
University of South Carolina’s program features two distinct tracks that fit different student needs:
- USC Practicum Track (39 credits): Students get 5 semesters of supervised fieldwork (15 credits) providing 1,500 hours of concentrated experience through the university. Students without access to a qualified BCBA supervisor find this option ideal.
- Independent Fieldwork Track (30 credits): Students complete 1 semester of supervised fieldwork (3 credits) plus an elective course. This track works best for those who already have access to a qualified BCBA supervisor and can arrange remaining supervision hours independently.
Options for Those With Existing Master’s Degrees
Professionals with a master’s degree can pursue BCBA certification without completing another full degree program. The University of South Carolina and Francis Marion University offer non-degree options to complete just the required coursework sequence. This flexibility benefits professionals moving from related fields.
Students typically need about one and a half years to complete all requirements and become eligible for the BCBA exam. Some programs offer online components, but many need some on-campus attendance. The University of South Carolina program, to cite an instance, isn’t fully online.
South Carolina’s educational path to BCBA certification combines rigor with structure. Graduates gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in this growing field.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
You need proper credentials after completing your education to become a BCBA in South Carolina. The state uses a certification model instead of a state-specific licensure system for behavior analysts.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification lets you practice legally as a behavior analyst in South Carolina. This national certification has recognition throughout the state.
Supervised Experience Requirements
Your BCBA certification needs substantial supervised fieldwork. The BACB gives you three ways to meet this requirement:
- Supervised Fieldwork: Complete 2,000 hours with 5% of those hours under supervision
- Concentrated Fieldwork: Complete 1,500 hours with at least 10% of those hours supervised
- Intensive Practicum: Complete supervised hours through a university practicum program
You must receive supervision at least once every two weeks. Your supervisor should be a qualified BCBA who has completed an 8-hour supervision training based on the Supervisor Training Curriculum Outline.
The Certification Process
Here’s how to get certified as a BCBA in South Carolina:
- Complete your verified coursework through an accredited program
- Finish your supervised experience hours under a qualified BCBA
- Submit your application to the BACB with all required documentation
- Pass the BCBA examination to prove your knowledge of behavior analysis principles
You’ll need to maintain your credentials through:
- Background checks with fingerprinting
- Paying administrative fees
- Maintaining your certification with the BACB
- Completing renewal applications as needed
South Carolina Licensure Developments
South Carolina is moving toward formal state licensure for behavior analysts. The South Carolina Association for Behavior Analysis (SC-ABA) works with lobbyists and state officials to create licensure legislation. This change will protect consumers and uphold behavior analysis practice standards in the state.
The licensure process might take about six months to become fully operational after legislation passes. SC-ABA also wants to include provisions that allow behavior analysts from other states with similar licenses to practice.
Why Licensure Matters
Anyone can claim to practice ABA or call themselves a “behavior analyst” in South Carolina right now. This creates risks for consumers, especially in underserved areas. State licensure would control who can legally practice behavior analysis and use professional titles.
CREATE Scholarship Program
The CREATE scholarship program helps you pay for behavior analyst credentials in South Carolina. Francis Marion University offers a fully online program for BCBA certification through this scholarship. This option can reduce your certification costs.
Preparing for the BCBA Exam
The BCBA examination is your final step toward certification. Most successful candidates use these study resources:
- The Cooper textbook (“Applied Behavior Analysis”)
- Mock exams from ABA Tech or other providers
- Study groups with peers
- Mobile apps for on-the-go studying
Complete all requirements and prepare well to join South Carolina’s behavior analysis field. You’ll be ready to make a real difference in your clients’ lives.
Salaries for BCBAs in South Carolina
Your salary expectations as a BCBA in South Carolina will shape your career planning. The state offers various financial opportunities based on your experience, location, and employer.
BCBAs in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $75,502. This amount is 8% lower than the national average of $75,784 per year [18, 26], yet remains competitive in the regional market.
The salary range shows notable differences across experience levels. New BCBAs start at $42,776 yearly, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $133,263. Most BCBA professionals earn between $68,700 (25th percentile) and $84,000 (75th percentile).
Monthly earnings average $6,888, which equals about $39.74 per hour. Weekly paychecks typically amount to $1,589.
Your location in South Carolina can affect your earnings substantially. Columbia leads with the highest average yearly salary at $82,176. Other well-paying cities include:
- Rock Hill: $80,757 yearly
- Fort Mill: $80,166 yearly
- Greenville: $78,134 yearly
- Charleston: $78,082 yearly
Smaller cities tend to pay less, with Myrtle Beach offering $76,076 and Summerville $74,297.
Ridgeville tops the list of highest-paying locations with $88,056 yearly. Spartanburg follows at $87,029, while Florence ($86,112) and Johns Island ($85,765) also provide attractive salaries.
BCBAs with ten years of experience can earn up to $92,120 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest-paid 10% in the field reach $116,710.
South Carolina ranks 30th nationwide for BCBA compensation. This ranking reflects the Southeast’s economic factors and the need for behavior analysis services.
Several factors will determine your earnings as a BCBA in South Carolina. These include your experience, location, and work setting. You’ll find good opportunities to increase your salary as you progress in your career.
Starting salaries (10th percentile) begin at $46,220 yearly. Mid-career professionals (50th percentile) typically earn around $92,120.
The southern region’s location affects salary expectations. BCBAs in the South usually earn between $60,000 and $80,000 yearly. South Carolina’s salaries fall within this range. Big cities pay more than rural areas due to living costs and higher service demand.
You might want to look at related career paths too. Certified Analytics Professional roles in South Carolina pay about 39% more ($32,268 higher) than typical BCBA positions. This could be an alternative path if you’re seeking higher earnings.
Careers in South Carolina
South Carolina offers BCBAs plenty of job opportunities in many different settings. The field is growing fast, and organizations throughout the state are looking to hire qualified behavior analysts.
The job market for BCBAs in South Carolina is expanding faster than ever. Current projections show jobs will grow from 424 to 706 positions – a 67% increase. This growth outpaces the national average, making South Carolina an excellent place to start a BCBA career.
BCBAs in South Carolina work in several environments:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Private ABA therapy providers
- Non-profit organizations
- Home-based services
- Residential programs
- Community settings
Current job listings show employers offer complete benefits packages with competitive salaries. Benefits often include continuing education credits, health insurance, 401(k) matching, vision and dental coverage, and paid time off. Some employers attract talent with signing bonuses between $5,000 and $15,000.
Most BCBAs nationwide (72%) work with people who have autism spectrum disorders, and South Carolina follows this trend. This leaves plenty of room to specialize in other areas. Alternative career paths include:
- Educational roles (district BCBAs or professors)
- Parent education and support
- Organizational Behavior Management
- Fitness and wellness consulting
- Brain injury rehabilitation
- Behavioral gerontology
- Clinical behavior analysis
- Substance abuse treatment
- Behavioral pediatrics
Several prominent organizations in South Carolina regularly hire BCBAs. Columbia’s Autism Academy of South Carolina provides individualized ABA therapy to clients aged 2-21 in center-based settings. Greenville Children’s Hospital runs the multidisciplinary Autism Wonders program that brings specialists together for complete patient care. Aspire in Goose Creek gives clients both clinic and home-based therapy options.
South Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) shows its dedication to developing behavior analyst resources. SCDHHS works with the University of South Carolina and Clemson University to sponsor courses for future BCBAs. These programs help meet the growing need for qualified professionals statewide.
Job listings show many positions now offer flexible schedules, including hybrid and remote work options. Full-time BCBA positions typically pay between $80,000 and $125,000 annually, plus potential bonuses. New BCBAs usually start at $65,000-$85,000 per year.
BCBAs in South Carolina can look forward to excellent career prospects. The workforce is expected to grow from 3,000 to over 7,000 professionals by 2030. This growth creates great opportunities for anyone looking to become a BCBA in South Carolina, with plenty of room for professional development and advancement in various specialties.
Next Steps
A career as a BCBA in South Carolina offers a bright future with room to grow. This piece walks you through what you need to know about education requirements, getting certified, salary expectations, and job opportunities in different parts of the state.
Your first step is to get your master’s degree and complete 315 hours of graduate-level coursework. On top of that, you’ll need supervised experience before you can take the BCBA exam. This detailed preparation will give you both the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to succeed.
South Carolina gives you several ways to complete your program. You can choose the practicum track at the University of South Carolina or go with independent fieldwork. These programs are the foundations of your path to certification.
South Carolina uses a certification model instead of state-specific licensure right now. Work is being done to set up formal licensure requirements that will protect clients and keep professional standards high.
The money side looks good too. BCBAs earn around $75,502 per year on average, and experienced professionals can make $92,120 or more. Your paycheck depends on where you work, your experience, and your workplace setting. Cities like Columbia and Rock Hill tend to pay more.
The best part? The need for qualified BCBAs is growing faster than ever in South Carolina. You’ll find jobs in schools, hospitals, private therapy centers, and non-profits of all sizes. A 67% growth rate means there are more opportunities here than the national average, making South Carolina a great place to build your behavior analysis career.
Becoming a BCBA takes hard work and dedication, but the rewards make this trip worth it. Each step toward certification brings you closer to joining other professionals who make real differences in their clients’ lives throughout the Palmetto State.