--- title: "Expanding BCBA® Careers: How to Diversify Your ABA Practice" description: Explore how BCBAs can expand their careers into new subspecialties with insights from Nicole Parks on diversifying ABA practice. image: https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hubfs/Green%20and%20Black%20Modern%20Tech%20Talk%20Podcast%20Cover.png --- [![Sidekick Learning](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/hubfs/Full%20logo-1.png)](https://www.sidekicklearning.net) - [PLATFORM](https://www.sidekicklearning.net) ## [Our Platform Everything in one platform for one predictable price. ](https://www.sidekicklearning.net) ### [Supervision Curriculum Comprehensive, competency-based learning with direct access for your trainees. ](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/aba-supervision-curriculum) ### [CEUs & PDUs Our growing library of ACE approved CEUs and PDUs focus on practical, actionable topics.](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/continuing-education) ### [Exam Prep](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/exam) With built-in study tools and competency-tracking, trainees will be ready for the Big Exam.  ### [40-Hour RBT Training](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/rbt) Save time and empower your technicians with high quality training ### 8-Hour Supervision Training 9.5 CEUs, actionable templates, and guidance from seasoned supervisors to set the foundation for your new supervisors.  ### Role-Based Competency Tracking Track competency development across your organization, visualize your staff skills across the organization, and upskill your staff. - [ABOUT](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/about) - RESOURCES ## Resources We love sharing knowledge and resources with our community.  ### [In the Field: The ABA Podcast Discussions focused on training, supervision, and learning in ABA.](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/podcast) ### [Blog Stay up-to-date with ideas, tips, and announcements.](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog) ### [Unrestricted Hours Guide Download our free resource with over 75 unrestricted hours ideas. ](https://www.academy.sidekicklearning.net/courses/30-unrestricted-hours-ideas-download) ### [Free CEUs Free supervision CEUs with downloadable resources for application.](https://www.academy.sidekicklearning.net/collections/free?page=2) ### [Knowledge Base Learn how to use our platform and receive support. ](https://doc.clickup.com/9014009552/d/h/8cmdqpg-32954/29e6b6f934769c2) ### [6th Edition Crosswalk A guide to the updates and changes in the 6th Edition.](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/6th-edition-crosswalk) [Book a Demo](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/demo) [Log In](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/login) Podcast # Expanding BCBA® Careers: How to Diversify Your ABA Practice Explore how BCBAs can expand their careers into new subspecialties with insights from Nicole Parks on diversifying ABA practice. [Sidekick Learning](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/author/sidekick-learning) Apr 8, 2025 --- What does it look like to thrive as a BCBA®—whether in autism services or beyond? In this episode of *In the Field: The ABA Podcast*, I sat down with **Nicole Parks**, Chief Visionary Officer of Rooted Consultation, to talk about expanding the reach of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and building careers in non-traditional areas of practice. Nicole has worked across forensic systems, mental health, gerontology, and more—and now she’s helping other behavior analysts do the same. Whether you’re feeling burnt out, curious about subspecialties, or ready to advocate for bigger change in the field, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about what it means to be a BCBA®. --- ## Why So Many BCBA®s Stay in Autism—And What It Takes to Break Out Nearly **75% of practicing BCBA®s report working in autism**, according to the [BACB**®**](https://www.bacb.com/bacb-certificant-data/). But Nicole argues that this isn’t necessarily because it’s everyone’s calling—it’s because of funding, visibility, and a lack of structured support to explore anything else. She shares: - Her experience working in **state psychiatric hospitals, adult dual-diagnosis settings, and forensic systems** - Why many BCBAs feel burned out—and how it’s often **burnout with the setting**, not the science - The role of **supervision systems** in reinforcing limited scopes of practice > “You're not sick of ABA—you’re sick of autism therapy. And those are not the same thing.” — Nicole Parks --- ## Nicole’s Framework for Expanding ABA Practice To help BCBA®s broaden their career options, Nicole introduces a **three-part framework** for diversifying the field: ### 1. **Supervision and Mentorship** - Many trainees don’t realize they *can* get supervision in settings outside of autism. - We need mentors who specialize in **behavioral health, criminal justice, sustainability, UX, and more**. - Ethics matter: Supervisors must stay within their own scope when supporting niche interests. ### 2. **Ongoing Learning** - CEUs outside of autism can be hard to find—especially in fields like behavioral gerontology, criminal justice, or health & fitness. - Nicole launched **The Undercurrent**, a membership program with CEUs, journal reviews, and support for BCBA®s pursuing subspecialties. ### 3. **Advocacy and Access to Jobs** - Most relevant jobs won’t say “BCBA” in the title—learn how to **translate your skill set** and advocate for the value of behavioral science in new spaces. - Nicole’s long-term goal? Network with industries directly and open doors for more behavior analysts to enter. --- ## BCBA® Scope Is Broader Than You Think ABA is a powerful science, and its reach extends far beyond early intervention and clinical autism settings. Nicole and I explore the potential of ABA across: - **Higher education** - **Behavioral medicine** - **UX research and tech** - **Corrections, reentry programs, and courts** - **Sustainability and environmental behavior** - **Caregiver support** - … and many more. We also discuss the importance of **language translation across fields**—how to communicate our science in a way other professionals understand and value. > “We speak different languages, but the practices are often the same. We just need to learn how to talk to each other.” --- ## The Money Factor: Passion vs. Paycheck Nicole shares a tough truth: BCBA® salaries in autism therapy are often **higher than in adjacent fields**. If you want to pivot into forensics, sustainability, or human services, you may need to: - **Take a temporary pay cut** - Build **skills and experience** from the ground up - Embrace other** motivation** over high compensation *(if* it aligns with your values)—at least at first But the trade-off? Deep alignment with your passion, and sustainable work that fulfills you long-term. --- ## How to Take the First Step If you’re a BCBA® or ABA practitioner who’s ready to explore life beyond clinic walls, here’s what you can do: - **Start with curiosity**: Explore journal articles, conferences, and CEUs in non-traditional areas. - **Find your people**: Join communities like Nicole’s [Undercurrent](https://www.rootedconsultation.com) to connect with others walking a similar path. - **Get supervision that supports your goals**: Even if your current work is in autism, seek mentors who understand your long-term vision. - **Think like a translator**: Learn how to communicate your behavior-analytic skills in job applications, interviews, and interdisciplinary teams. --- ## Connect with Nicole Nicole offers ongoing support for behavior analysts looking to break the mold. You can follow her work and get involved through: - 🌱 **Website**: [RootedConsultation.com](https://www.rootedconsultation.com) - 📚 **The Undercurrent**: Monthly journal clubs, CEUs, and open office hours - 💬 **LinkedIn**: [Nicole Parks](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolecparks/) - 📸 **Instagram**: [@rootedconsultation](https://www.instagram.com/rootedconsultation/) --- ## 🎧 Listen to the Episode > Ready to challenge the status quo and explore what’s possible with your BCBA®? > > [Listen to the full episode now →](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2319982/episodes/16938871)  > > [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-field-the-aba-podcast/id1732540944) > [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3VHUvX6m0oegFufPV7WnCs) > [Amazon Music](https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ed6aa1fb-f245-4b2a-a8bd-385695b45743/in-the-field-the-aba-podcast) [Podcast](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/tag/podcast) ## Similar posts Podcast ### [Expanding Your ABA Career: Behavior Analysis in Residential and Foster Care Settings with Arthur Hairston](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/bcba-career-residential-foster-care-group-homes-arthur-hairston) Discover how BCBAs® can expand into residential and foster care settings with Arthur Hairston, founder of a group home for youth in foster care. Sidekick Learning May 6, 2026 Podcast ### [Rethinking ABA Service Delivery: A BCBA-Led Model with Chris Topham](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/rethinking-aba-service-delivery-a-bcba-led-model-with-chris-topham) Discover how Chris Topham uses a BCBA-led model & precision teaching to boost outcomes, cut burnout, and rethink ABA service delivery. Sidekick Learning Aug 13, 2025 Podcast ### [Creating a Strong ABA Business: Marketing, Mindset, and Mission with Tim Zercher](https://www.sidekicklearning.net/blog/creating-a-strong-aba-business-marketing-mindset-and-mission-with-tim-zercher) Learn how ABA businesses can strengthen marketing, websites, and leadership with insights from entrepreneur Timothy Zercher of A-Train Marketing. 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