Certification Programs

Certification in Brain Injury
The Center for Professional Development offers comprehensive training and accompanying work experience that prepares employees to become Certified Brain Injury Specialists. This certification is provided through the American Academy for the Certification of Brain Injury Specialists, a standing committee of the Brain Injury Association of America. Any individual who holds at least a bachelor-level degree is eligible to participate in the program. Certification is awarded to any employee who achieves a sufficient score on a national exam. This exam is given at a May Institute location at the conclusion of training. At this time, May provides preparatory support, such as practice exams, for employees planning to take the exam.

In addition to the entry-level certification, which prepares individuals for clinical work with people who have sustained brain injuries, the Center also offers advanced certification for individuals who wish to become clinical instructors in brain injury.

Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis
Employees may enroll in non-degree programs, approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, leading to either certification as a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The associate level program is available to all employees who hold bachelor’s degrees. Employees enroll in the Northeastern University Behavior Analysis Institute. Through the Institute, they receive 90 hours of training that is a combination of classroom work and field assignments. The field placements are designed to complement work experiences and can be completed at the job site.

Specialized training is provided for individuals who already have advanced degrees in education, psychology, or a related area and who wish to become certified behavior analysts. The curriculum is comprised of selected courses from a master of science program in applied behavior analysis. Each participant has a program of study that is developed considering the courses required for exam eligibility and the courses the participant has already taken. The number of courses varies for each participant.

Applications for both programs is made through the Center for Professional Development. Interested employees should contact Karen E. Gould, Ph.D., 781-440-0400 ext. 215.