George Brown College

Behavioural Science Technician Program

Leadership Claims

All full-time program faculty are Board-Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs), some of whom are alumni.

Program Overview

The Behavioural Science Technician diploma program will teach you how to use Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to support meaningful changes in people's lives.

Full Description

The two-year Behavioral Science Technician (C146) diploma program will teach you the science of behavioral change, otherwise known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In this field of study, you will learn behavioral principles, practice assessment and intervention procedures, and develop professional skills to seek employment in a variety of workplaces (autism, mental health, gerontology, acquired brain injury, organizational behaviour management, sport, etc.)

Please note that this program does not teach counselling or "talk therapy."

The themes studied in the Behavioural Science Technician program include:

• behavioural theory
• behavioural assessment
• scientific method
• ethics and professionalism
• behavioural acquisition and reduction strategies
• general education with an emphasis on practical application in the field

The Behavioural Science Technician coursework and placement experiences will prepare you for direct implementation roles in a variety of settings.

If you elect to transfer to our Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis (S303) degree program and/or continue your education in behaviour analysis, you may find employment opportunities with additional responsibilities.

Accelerated Program Option

If you already have a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology or a related discipline, you may qualify for our Behavioural Science Technician (Accelerated) (C156) program. This stream offers an intensive delivery of this two-year program leading to a diploma in less than one year.

To learn more about the work of a behavioural science technician, search the web using these keywords:

• behaviour analysis
• applied behaviour analysis
• intensive behavioural intervention
• operand conditioning

Alternatively, you can visit these industry-specific websites for more information on this field of study:

• Association of Behavior Analysis International
• The Ontario Association for Behavior Analysis, Inc.
• Association of Professional Behavior Analysts
• Behavior Analyst Certification Board

Your Field Education Options

The field placement component in this Behavioural Science Technician program will give you the opportunity to apply the theory you've learned in the classroom to a real-world environment.

Offered in semesters 2, 3 and 4, each field experience builds upon the previous one and provides exposure to a variety of work environments. The depth and breadth of these opportunities will enrich your overall learning experience and will allow you to start building a professional network within the sector. Field placements are unpaid and completed on a full-time basis.

Please note:

• In semester 2, to accommodate March Break closures at public schools, you will attend placement on a modified schedule that differs from the George Brown College academic schedule. Further details will be provided during your program orientation.
• In semester 4, to accommodate March Break closures at clinical agencies, you will attend placement on a modified schedule that differs from the George Brown College academic schedule. Further details will be provided during your program orientation.

George Brown faculty will work with you and our extensive network of community partners to secure you a placement.

Note: Field education may require travel due to the number of opportunities for appropriate placements within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). You may be required to travel to locations as far east as Oshawa, as far west as Burlington and as far north as Vaughan.