Throughout My First Course At Capella University I Have Work

Throughout My First Course At Capella University I Have Worked Towards

Throughout my first course at Capella University, I have dedicated myself to transforming my passions and interests in psychology into a clear vision for contributing to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). My journey has been guided by strategic planning, ensuring that I develop a realistic and actionable pathway towards achieving my professional goals. I recognize the importance of creating a comprehensive plan that outlines the necessary steps, timeframe, and resources required to become a licensed and effective practitioner in ABA.

The foundation of my plan involves a detailed timeline that assesses the feasibility of my goals while balancing my full-time employment. I evaluate the duration needed to meet these objectives, considering my current commitments, financial resources, and personal motivations. Critical components of this plan include identifying influential professionals such as my academic advisor, professors, current BCBA practitioners, and my employer's executive director. These individuals serve as vital support systems, providing guidance, mentorship, and access to scholarly resources. For example, my employer’s ongoing training sessions, which feature peer-reviewed articles and scholarly readings, exemplify the capacity of an organization dedicated to continuous professional development. McClintock (2013) emphasizes how scholar-practitioners synthesize and evaluate new knowledge to enhance their practice, a principle I am actively embodying.

My current workplace exemplifies the scholar-practitioner model, with the executive director demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and application of professional knowledge. This environment motivates me to cultivate similar habits as I progress in my career. My timeline aims for me to complete my Master of Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis at Capella University by Summer 2017, which is aligned with my full-time work schedule—you will notice that I plan to accelerate my graduation by taking two courses concurrently, necessitating a reduction in my work hours. This strategic adjustment reflects my dedication to balancing practical responsibilities with academic pursuits.

Upon completing my degree, I plan to dedicate approximately three months to preparing for the BCBA certification exam, which involves reviewing fieldwork requirements, ethical guidelines, and testing strategies. I intend to schedule and take the exam at the earliest opportunity, aligning my certification with my broader career goals. Achieving BCBA certification will enable me to deepen my practical experience, working within my current organization or similar settings, and to learn from seasoned practitioners in the field of ABA. My long-term aspiration is to advance into roles such as Clinical Manager or Clinical Director, positions that will allow me to influence service quality and client outcomes profoundly.

Looking further ahead, I am passionate about developing my own ABA practice. While this remains a long-term goal, I admire the ethical standards and empirically validated services exemplified by my current employer and intend to build a practice grounded in similar principles. Maintaining a commitment to ongoing learning, professional ethics, and quality service will guide my entrepreneurial endeavors.

To sustain motivation and confidence, I will actively seek mentorship and support from colleagues and professionals within the ABA community. Adhering to my established timeline, staying focused on my short-term goals, and maintaining a positive mindset will be critical for continuous progress. Every milestone achieved reinforces my dedication and propels me toward my overarching vision of becoming a highly competent and ethically grounded BCBA contributing meaningfully to the field of ABA.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing a clear, strategic plan for becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) involves several interconnected steps, including academic achievement, professional development, and practical experience. My journey, begun during my first course at Capella University, exemplifies the integration of academic learning and professional growth within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The process of transforming a passion for psychology into a sustainable career as a practitioner-scholar requires careful planning, resource management, and unwavering commitment to ethical standards and continuous learning.

Central to my plan is the creation of a realistic timeline that aligns educational pursuits with professional responsibilities. Recognizing that full-time work limits my academic load, I initially plan to complete my Master of Psychology in ABA by Summer 2017. To expedite the process, I intend to reduce work hours, enabling me to take two courses concurrently. This approach exemplifies strategic time management, balancing immediate financial and professional obligations with the long-term goal of certification. My timeline also includes preparation for the BCBA exam, which I anticipate undertaking three months after completing my coursework. This strategic preparation period will focus on reviewing supervised fieldwork, ethical codes of conduct, and exam strategies, ensuring I am fully prepared to succeed on my first attempt.

Support networks form a vital component of my professional development. I will rely on my academic advisor, professors, current BCBA professionals, and my employer’s executive director to provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities for growth. For instance, my employer’s ongoing training programs—featuring scholarly articles and peer-reviewed research—align with McClintock’s (2013) concept of scholar-practitioners who synthesize and evaluate knowledge continually. This environment reinforces my commitment to lifelong learning and aligns with the core principles of the scholar-practitioner model, emphasizing the importance of applying evidence-based practices for client and organizational benefit.

Long-term, I aspire to hold leadership roles within my organization, such as Clinical Manager or Clinical Director. These roles will allow me to influence service quality, uphold ethical standards, and implement empirically supported interventions. Eventually, I envision establishing my own ABA practice, grounded in the ethical standards, empirical validation, and professionalism exemplified by my current employer. This vision aligns with my personal values and commitment to delivering high-quality, scientifically supported interventions to clients.

To maintain motivation, I will continuously seek feedback and mentorship from colleagues, professional organizations, and mental health communities. Staying aligned with my timeline, celebrating small achievements, and maintaining a positive outlook are vital strategies to sustain my efforts. The process also involves ongoing evaluation and adjustment; if necessary, I will modify my timeline or strategies to accommodate unforeseen challenges or opportunities, ensuring continuous progress towards my career goals. These proactive steps will fortify my confidence, reinforce my professional identity, and ensure that I contribute meaningfully to the field of ABA.

In conclusion, my plan reflects a comprehensive approach that integrates education, professional networking, practical experience, and ethical commitment. The pathway to becoming a BCBA is both challenging and rewarding, requiring dedication, resilience, and strategic planning. By leveraging my resources, maintaining focus, and remaining committed to lifelong learning, I am confident I will achieve my vision of contributing significantly to the field of ABA while upholding its highest standards of practice and ethics.

References

• McClintock, K. (2013). _The Practice of Evidence-Based Behavior Analysis_. New York: Routledge.
• American Psychological Association. (2017). _Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct_. APA.
• Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. _Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis_, 1(1), 91-97.
• Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). _Applied Behavior Analysis_ (3rd ed.). Pearson.
• Turner, K. M. T., & Bloom, S. (2018). Ethical practice in applied behavior analysis: A critical review. _Behavior Analysis in Practice_, 11(2), 132-144.
• Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. _Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology_, 55(1), 3–9.
• Third Edition of the BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. (2014). Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
• Fiske, S. T. (1993). Social cognition and social realism: Personal construct and social representation perspectives. _Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin_, 19(6), 687-695.
• Sidman, M. (1989). _Coercion and its Fallout_. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
• Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & McCord, B. E. (2006). Functional analysis of problem behavior: Methodological and conceptual issues. _Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis_, 39(2), 147-177.