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Ministry-approved title: Behavioural Science Technician
The Behavioural Science Technician diploma program prepares students for meaningful careers supporting individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and other behavioural needs using evidence-based strategies rooted in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Over two years, students develop the skills to implement behavioural interventions, teach new skills, and promote positive behaviour in a variety of settings, including schools, community agencies, and clinical environments. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience through courses in behaviour principles, communication strategies, ethics, and applied techniques, as well as supervised field placements. To reflect the evolving landscape of the field, the program has recently updated its ethics curriculum in response to new regulations introduced in Ontario as of July 1, 2024. These changes establish formal regulation of ABA professionals through the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, offering greater professional recognition and accountability. While Behaviour Technicians are not regulated under the new legislation, they continue to play a critical role under the supervision of registered Behaviour Analysts. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further education. A clearly defined pathway to the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science (HBBS) degree is available, offering diploma graduates the opportunity to continue their studies and advance their professional qualifications.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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This program prepares students to build a career that combines an interest in human behaviour with a desire to help others improve their quality of life. Students will develop professional competencies that link science, clinical, communication and ethical aspects of behavioural science. With a focus on Applied Behaviour Analysis educational, community and clinical settings, students gain the knowledge and skills to support clients from various age groups and learn how to assist with behavioural assessments and contribute to the design and application of behaviour change plans for clients with developmental disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, dementia and other conditions associated with aging.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Students will have the opportunity to apply the theories, concepts and strategies they have learned in a supervised setting through two field placements. Students will begin to build their resumés and professional networks while gaining hands-on, real work experience in their chosen field.
Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC), immunizations, lab tests and certifications. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:
It is required that students have completed the ESPC with Verified to be eligible for the field placement component of this program. Students must provide (at their expense):
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Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
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