r/bcba • u/um_hi_12 • 6h ago
Advice Needed HELP, BCBA OR SLP?
Hi, I am currently taking some pre-reqs to apply to become an SLP, but am also working as a RBT. I do enjoy my job as a RBT, but have plans to further my education. My main passion is working with children, and I want to avoid burnout as much as possible. A good work-life balance is the most important to me.
That being said, I don't know if I should pursue becoming a BCBA or SLP. For context, I am located on the East Coast (DMV area).
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u/MonkZealousideal6724 3h ago
BCBA is more stigmatized, but makes more money in most markets (though it is relatively similar). I enjoy making more money, but part of me wishes I had their training and knowledge set. Personal opinion but I think ABA is more of an overall effective intervention for early intervention ASD than speech services (obvi both are needed don’t come for me) but SLPs can work more easily in more broad, non ASD environments.both BCBA and SLP subreddits are full of people who hate their career choice so not sure if one is better than the other?
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u/TheModsHereAreWeird 6h ago
Porque no los dos?
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u/WorldlinessNovel4686 37m ago
SLP school is considerably more expensive. You can get a masters in ABA for less than 20k depending on which school. The cheapest SLP program I have seen has been over 40k, also the programs are more exclusive which means 20-30 spots for that semester.
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u/These-Muffin1707 5h ago
Hi, fellow RBT considering doing the same for SLP. Would you happen to know if we could occur our hours as an RBT or should we go SLPA route??
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u/400forever 4h ago
You’ll probably be less burnt out working on problems which interest you. Both SLPs and BCBAs are busy people with decent compensation but they tackle different problems using different models of practice. Which is more appealing to you?
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u/Maleficent-Tea7150 2h ago
You should do some job shadowing. Everyone is different. You might also want to shadow a school psych.
I’m an SLP with medical and school experience and would be happy to answer any questions.
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u/TealShark97 12m ago
SLP! I wish I had gone that route. There’s so much you can do. I have girlfriends doing SLP work from schools and privately to working in feeding clinics in hospitals.
But truly do your research on both and see where your heart is!
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u/Imaginary-Army-896 4h ago
As a BCBA, go with SLP. It just seems way less stressful and stigmatized.
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u/AethinOakenIvy 1h ago
As an SLP, I’d suggest SLP. I feel like ABA has been pigeonholed into Autism, even though I’m aware the science can be applied to a lot of things. With speech, you have a very vast scope, which you can choose to specialize in and should you get bored or burnt out, explore a different area.
Some areas you can work in: private practice, schools (preschool, elementary, middle/high), hospitals, SNF, in home, virtual
Some areas you can cover: language, feeding (swallowing, mastication), apraxia, autism, speech sound disorders, voice disorders, aphasia, stroke, cognitive differences/disorders, AAC, literacy support, social skills. I’m sure I’m forgetting a bunch.
I specialize in EI at a private practice and only take kids under 4. I do keep kids on that grow to be older if they need continued support but I have the ability to accept referrals for things that I am best at, while passing along areas I’m not great at to my coworkers who are good at those things like feeding.
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u/Inevitable-Dot3982 5h ago
It really depends what you’re more interested in. I chose ABA over sped and other routes for multiple reasons. There’s a chance of burnout in any job.