Behavioural Science Technician Program (C146)

Program Description

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 (BCBAs; 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. The primary goal of ABA is to support meaningful change in people’s lives.

instructors helping a young man fold laundry

Full Description

George Brown College's Behavioural Science Technician (C146) is a two-year diploma program that will teach you about the science of behaviour change, otherwise known as, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). In this field of study, students will learn behavioural principles, practice assessment and intervention procedures, and develop professional skills to seek employment in a variety of workplaces (autism, mental health, gerontology, acquired brain injury, organizational behaviour management, sport, etc.).

Please note that this program does not teach counselling or “talk therapy” skills.

The themes studied in this Behavioural Science Technician program include:

  • behavioural theory 
  • behavioural assessment 
  • behavioural acquisition and reduction strategies
  • scientific method
  • ethics and professionalism
  • general education with an emphasis on practical application in the field

The Behavioural Science Technician coursework and placement experiences prepare students for direct implementation roles in a variety of settings. 

Students who elect to transfer to our degree program and/or continue their education in behaviour analysis may find employment opportunities with additional responsibilities.

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:

Your Field Education Options

The field placement component 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 provides exposure to a variety of work environments. 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. Field placements are unpaid and completed on a full-time basis. 

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

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Behavioural Science Technician graduates are employed in a variety of settings and with diverse populations across the lifespan. Work responsibilities will include understanding and analyzing behaviour to support behaviour change. 

Behavioural Science Technician graduates may find employment as:

  • Instructor therapist 
  • Behaviour therapist
  • Behaviour technician 
  • Behaviour consultant
  • Resource facilitator 
  • Employee of residential facilities, vocational agencies or other specialized agencies 

Educational Pathways

Graduates of any approved two-year Ontario College Behavioural Science Technician program (C146) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher will be eligible to enter the bridging pathway into the third year of the Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis degree program (S303). For more information about this degree pathway, please email Program Co-ordinator Don Togade at Don.Togade@georgebrown.ca.

International students who have successfully completed the Behavioural Science Technician (C146) program may apply to the S303 Honours Bachelor of Behaviour Analysis (Year 3 Bridge) program stream by contacting Program Co-ordinator Don Togade at Don.Togade@georgebrown.ca.

Graduates of this program who have an interest in working in a long-term care facility should consider applying to our Interprofessional Complex and Long-Term Care postgraduate certificate (S417)

Louis Busch is passionate about behaviour analysis and its potential for improving people's lives. The behaviour therapist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) uses behaviour analysis – interventions to bring about positive behaviour change – to help individuals with autism, acquired brain injury, intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health issues. Busch created and implemented a successful pilot program to increase the capacity of staff in community group homes to care for individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviour. The program has since been expanded province-wide. Bear Clan Cree from the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Busch also consults with CAMH's aboriginal outreach program.

Louis Busch
Ontario College Diploma

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