ABA Therapist Licensing in Maryland
Maryland’s Regulation of Behavior Analysis
In Maryland, if you’re diving into the world of behavior analysis, you gotta know the ropes. The Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists is the big boss here. Back in 2014, they decided that anyone wanting to practice behavior analysis needed a license starting January 2015. This rule is all about making sure ABA therapists are up to snuff, so folks with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and similar conditions get top-notch care.
Licensing Requirements in Maryland
Getting your ABA therapist license in Maryland isn’t a walk in the park. First off, you need to be certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Plus, you gotta have a master’s degree or higher from a program that gets the BACB’s stamp of approval. And don’t forget, a criminal history records check (CHRC) is part of the deal.
| Requirement | Details |
| Certification | BACB Certification |
| Education | Master’s degree or higher from a BACB-approved program |
| Criminal History Records Check | Mandatory submission |
Keeping your license means staying on top of your Continuing Education (CE) hours before your license runs out. Miss those hours, and your license goes poof until you catch up. Practicing without a valid license? That’s a no-go in Maryland.
ABA Therapist Certification Process
In Maryland, getting certified as an ABA therapist means jumping through a few hoops, but it’s totally doable. There are two main paths: becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
So, you wanna be a BCBA in Maryland? Here’s the scoop:
- Hit the Books: You need a master’s degree or higher from a program that gets the thumbs-up from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
- Get Some Experience: You gotta rack up some supervised experience. This can be part of your grad program, something you do after graduation, or a mix of both.
- Ace the Exam: Once you’ve got the education and experience down, it’s time to tackle the BACB exam. It’s a 150-question, multiple-choice test that checks if you know your ABA stuff. Pearson VUE runs the show, and you can find test centers all over, including four spots in Maryland.
- Get Licensed: Since January 2015, Maryland’s been saying you need a license to practice behavior analysis. This means getting checked out by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, including a criminal history records check (CHRC).
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
If you’re aiming for BCaBA certification, here’s what you need to know:
- School’s in Session: You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited place and coursework in behavior analysis approved by the BACB.
- Get Some Experience: Just like the BCBA path, BCaBA candidates need supervised experience. This can be part of your undergrad program, something you do after graduation, or a mix of both.
- Pass the Test: You gotta pass the BACB exam for BCaBAs, which checks your ABA know-how. Pearson VUE handles the exam, and you can find test centers in Maryland.
- Get Licensed: Just like BCBA folks, BCaBA candidates need a license from the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists in Maryland, including a criminal history records check (CHRC).
| Certification | Education Level | Supervised Experience | Exam | Licensing |
| BCBA | Master’s degree or higher | Graduate program or post-graduate field experience | BACB exam | Required |
| BCaBA | Bachelor’s degree | Undergraduate program or post-graduate field experience | BACB exam | Required |
For more info on getting licensed as an ABA therapist in Maryland, check out our page on ABA therapists in Maryland.
Continuing Education for ABA Therapists
ABA therapists need to keep learning to keep their licenses and stay sharp with the latest in behavior analysis. In Maryland, the rules for continuing education units (CEUs) are laid out to make sure therapists stay on top of their game.
CEU Requirements in Maryland
In Maryland, therapists, including those in ABA, have to rack up at least 40 CEUs every time they renew their license. These are split into two types: Category A and Category B. At least 30 of those CEUs need to be from Category A activities, but you can get up to 10 from Category B. Or, if you want, all 40 can be from Category A.
If your renewal period is shorter than two years, you need at least 20 Category A CEUs. You can’t save extra CEUs for the next time around.
| Renewal Period | Total CEUs Required | Category A CEUs | Category B CEUs |
| Full Renewal Period | 40 | 30 (minimum) | 10 (maximum) |
| Less than 2 Years | 20 | 20 (minimum) | 0 |
Categories of Continuing Education Activities
Category A Activities
Category A activities are the big leagues, officially approved by the Board. They use both teaching and hands-on methods to keep you sharp, boost your skills, get you ready for new challenges, or push the boundaries of counseling and therapy. Groups like the American Counseling Association and accredited colleges are automatically good to go for Category A programs.
Some Category A activities are:
- Going to organized programs
- Creating and presenting programs
- Writing, editing, or reviewing scholarly publications
Category B Activities
Category B activities are more laid-back and might include informal courses, in-house talks, case conferences, or peer group discussions. These should be aimed at training, teaching, or personal learning with proof of their value, understanding of the material, and completion.
Some Category B activities are:
- Informal courses
- In-house talks
- Case conferences
- Peer group discussions
For more details on what’s needed and what activities count for continuing education, ABA therapists can check out the Maryland Department of Health.
Continuing education is key to keeping your license and making sure ABA therapists give top-notch care. By meeting the CEU requirements and taking part in approved activities, ABA therapists in Maryland can keep growing their skills and knowledge, which ultimately helps the people they work with.
ABA Therapist Job Market in Maryland
Demand for ABA Services
In Maryland, the need for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services is on the rise. This uptick is largely due to increased awareness and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and similar conditions. ABA therapy is well-known for its success in enhancing the lives of those with ASD, which has led to a greater call for skilled ABA professionals.
| State | Demand for ABA Services |
| Maryland | High |
| New Jersey | Moderate |
| Colorado | High |
Job Opportunities for ABA Professionals
Maryland’s job market for ABA professionals is buzzing with activity. There are plenty of openings for those who’ve completed the necessary certification, like becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). RBTs are key players in carrying out ABA therapy plans and are in high demand for their unique expertise.
| Position | Job Opportunities |
| Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) | Plenty |
| Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) | Growing |
| Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) | Moderate |
For anyone looking to dive into a career in ABA therapy, Maryland offers a fulfilling path with room for advancement. The competitive pay for ABA professionals mirrors their specialized skills and the meaningful difference they make.
To learn more about the job scene in other states, take a look at our articles on Colorado ABA therapy providers and ABA therapy centers in Colorado.
ABA Therapist Salary in Maryland
Getting a grip on what ABA therapists earn in Maryland is a big deal for anyone in the field or thinking about jumping in. This section spills the beans on what Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and other ABA pros are pocketing in Maryland.
Compensation for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are the backbone of ABA therapy, putting plans into action. Maryland’s job scene for RBTs is buzzing, with loads of gigs for those who’ve nailed the certification. RBTs in Maryland can look forward to a paycheck that matches their skills and the big difference they make.
| Position | Average Salary (Annual) |
| Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) | $35,000 – $45,000 |
Competitive Salaries for ABA Professionals
Besides RBTs, other ABA experts like Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) are raking in decent salaries in Maryland. These folks are in demand for their knack in crafting and managing ABA therapy programs.
| Position | Average Salary (Annual) |
| Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) | $50,000 – $65,000 |
Knowing the pay scale helps ABA pros make smart moves about their careers and ensures they’re getting their due for the hard work they put in.
Oversight and Advisory Committees
Behavior Analyst Advisory Committee
In Maryland, the Behavior Analyst Advisory Committee is like the watchdog for ABA therapy, making sure everything runs smoothly. This group of pros knows their stuff and offers advice on how behavior analysis should be practiced. They handle the nitty-gritty of reviewing applications for licenses, setting the bar for professional standards, and tackling any hiccups in the field. Their goal? To keep ABA professionals on their toes and ensure they meet all the necessary requirements.
The committee is packed with seasoned behavior analysts who bring their A-game to the table. Their experience and know-how help shape the rules that govern ABA therapy in Maryland, making sure everything is up to snuff with top-notch professional conduct and ethics.
Professional Standards and Oversight
Keeping things in check is a big deal when it comes to licensing ABA therapists in Maryland. The Behavior Analyst Advisory Committee is the go-to for setting and maintaining the standards that ensure ABA pros deliver quality services to folks with autism and similar conditions.
Here’s what they do to keep things running smoothly:
- Reviewing Licensure Applications: They make sure applicants have the right education and experience to get licensed.
- Setting Professional Standards: They whip up guidelines and best practices for ethical and effective behavior analysis.
- Addressing Issues: They deal with complaints and disciplinary actions to keep the profession’s reputation squeaky clean.
These oversight activities are key to keeping the public’s trust in the services ABA therapists provide. By sticking to the committee’s standards, ABA pros in Maryland can be confident they’re giving their clients the best care possible.
SOURCES:
https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/Pages/analysts.aspx
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/maryland/
https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/pages/conteducationchapt5.aspx
