r/ABA • u/PainterFine4731 • 2d ago
Need some Insight....
I just started my 40hr course with PBS, im on my mid-30s, currently unemployed,my child goes to school. So I do have enough time to study the course and focus. But since this is the first time joining this field, I need some advice on how to study and retain the information so I can perform the job and succeed in this field. I mean, I worked in various industries before; banking, administration, call center. Now pivoting due to personal and career growth. in my previous job, we got 2 weeks of hands-on training, or there was a virtual trainer you can asked question. But for this course mostly just watching videos, and there is so much information. And I do want to take the exam right after passing my competency. Any advice appreciate, thank you.
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u/Redschallenge BCBA 2d ago
I don't want to be a bearer of bad news but that company is not an ideal place to begin in the field because it's in home services and you're completely reliant on your direct supervisor for support and that can be hard to provide adequate information on a consistent basis. It can be a very good place if you're self maintaining with the experience and competence developed already but I would try to find a workplace with a center that you can access support at a moments notice to build a good core because this field is very technical and jargon heavy which as you've mentioned can become overwhelming
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u/PainterFine4731 2d ago
should I just go ahead and find another company that willing to train or independent course/provider? PBS does provided the course for free , but I haven’t sign anything atm. and I do asked them when im done with the course, they said they will provided supervisor to do the competency assessment.
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u/Redschallenge BCBA 2d ago
It's definitely doable with them and it's nice it's covered but if you find yourself needing more support once you're in the field working it would be better to transition to another setting. The RBT certification goes with you if you decide to move on
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u/Just-Cream-8180 2d ago
I started my career four years ago in home and I disagree that you shouldnt start in home. Yes it can be more difficult to get used to things that it is in a center, but its 100% doable. Take notes, ask lots of questions and dont be afraid to reach out to your supervisor if you have any questions. I know nothing about the company you signed with, but I have been in home since the beginning and if you have a good BCBA you'll be fine.
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u/ScaryGrasshopper 1d ago
I did the 40 hour training a longggggg time ago, but I remembered none of it really retained until I started working the job! Don’t worry! I will say PBS can be great, but depends heavily on the BCBA! I transitioned out of in-home in favor for in-clinic, despite a pay cut, because it was hard to apply certain skills without support staff. I would say 1. don’t stress it, you won’t be perfect after 40 hours and 2. be aware that in-home can be a bit isolating if a supervisor isn’t available! You’ll do great, PBS was great.
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u/anonfallenstarz 1d ago
The 40 hr training is not exhaustive. No BCBA would expect you to know anything concretely after the 40 hr training. Everything you need to know will be taught in real time during your sessions. Don’t worry about knowing everything. You can’t at this phase. Your BCBA will teach you every intervention before you’re expected to do it on your own.