OVERVIEW

Leadership Claims

Preparing students to work in the field of behavioural science for more than 15 years.

All full-time program faculty are board-certified behaviour analysts (some of whom are alumni).

Program Overview

George Brown College's Behavioural Science Technician (C146) is a two-year diploma program that provides you with an opportunity to study Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). This field of study helps prepare you for work that is often related to developmental disabilities, brain injuries, gerontology and behavioural disorders.

George Brown College's Behavioural Science Technician (C146) is a two-year diploma program that will teach you applied behaviour analysis (ABA) - a field of study that prepares for work often related to developmental disabilities, brain injury, gerontology, and behavioural disorders.

A common misconception about this program is that it involves teaching counselling and "talk therapy." It does not.

The themes studied in this Behavioiural Science Technician program include:

• behavioural theory and application
• program development
• scientific method
• ethics and professionalism
• diversity
• general education with an emphasis on practical application in the field

The Behavioural Science Technician coursework, practicum and employment opportunities are often related to autism and developmental disabilities; however, the program also covers behaviour analysis in the areas of dementia, brain injury and childhood disorders.

Students who elect to transfer to our degree program and/or continue their education in behaviour analysis may find employment opportunities in a variety of settings.

For applicants who have a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology or a related discipline, we offer an intensive delivery of this program [Behavioural Science Technician (Accelerated) (C156)] 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
• operant conditioning

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

• Association of Behaviour Analysis International
• Behaviorbabe – Ethical Advocate for Accurate Application & Dissemination of Behaviour Analysis
• B.F. Skinner Foundation
• Cambridge Center for Behavioural Studies
• The Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis, Inc.

Your Field Education Options

The field placement comonent 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 gives access to different clinical populations across the lifespan. The depth and breadth of these opportunities not only enriches your overall learning experience but will allow you to start building your own professional network within the sector.

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

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

1. Implement effective behaviour analytic intervention strategies based on the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in order to increase desired behaviours, teach new skills and decrease contextually problematic behaviours.
2. Integrate background information and knowledge of special populations into therapeutic practice, in order to develop behavioural interventions using a behaviour analytic approach.
3. Communicate with various stakeholders the behaviour analytic principles, processes and concepts central to the interventions being provided in order to enhance quality of service.
4. Compile measurements of behaviour in accordance with the ONTABA standards of practice and the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board's Guidelines for Responsible conduct in order to conduct behavioural assessments and develop behavioural interventions.
5. Apply systems thinking to behavioural processes related to socially significant behaviour change in order to ensure the sustainability of behaviour change programs that increase an individual’s quality of life.
6. Adhere to federal, provincial and professional policies and regulations associated with the ethical practice of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) among various populations or service sectors.
7. Apply input gained from collaboration with stakeholders (including individuals, family members and community members) and professionals in the field of service into effective client service intervention.
8. Develop a reflective practice, using professional development and self-care strategies to enhance professional competence.
9. Develop client-centred behavioural intervention plans that account for individuals’ rights, needs, goals and their social and community context.
10. Integrate the conceptual and philosophical underpinnings of behaviour analysis into a comprehensive case formulation of human behaviour to assist in the assessment, design and implementation of behaviour change programs.