There are several options for people who are interested in receiving training in biofeedback and neurofeedback for certification through the BCIA (Biofeedback Certification International Alliance). Each has pros and cons. I will discuss several options in this article.
University programs:
There are some universities that offer biofeedback training. These programs are usually more detailed because they are being provided in an academic setting over a relatively long period of time. They can provide a very thorough learning experience including hands-on lab experiences. They can be a good option for individuals and you get to meet and work with other people with like interests. They may be more expensive than other options and are not practical if you have a group of people who need to be trained together.
In-Person public seminars:
These are provided by private companies or organizations, usually for-profit, who are accredited by the BCIA to provide didactic training that counts towards certification. These are usually offered over several consecutive days so that they can be completed in a short amount of time. They tend to include lab opportunities to work with equipment. They may be less detailed and thorough because of the short time in which they are completed. They may be less expensive than a university program. Sometimes people from the same facility may be sent to attend the same seminar so that they can learn together. In this format you can also meet other people and learn with them.
Online Training:
These can either be open to the public or for private groups. They are also provided by private companies or organizations. Universities may also be offering these programs. They can cost less, mostly due to savings on travel and lodging. Timing can vary. They may be offered over long consecutive days like the in-person sessions discussed above or they can be offered over non-consecutive shorter days to reduce screen fatigue. These programs are convenient because you don’t have to go anywhere to attend. They can be less engaging because you are not in the room with the instructor or other attendees. You also don’t get a chance to have labs where you get to work with the equipment unless you already have equipment or you rent equipment for the session. Learning to use the biofeedback or neurofeedback equipment is as important as the book learning so you will still need to arrange for getting that done. Multiple people from the same organization can attend and there would be less expense than if attending in person.
Onsite Training:
This type of biofeedback or neurofeedback training is like the public in-person training except it is provided at the customer site only for their invited students. The instructor travels to the customer site to train the group. This might be done at a large private practice, hospital, university, or other facility like a veterans or military medical facility with multiple providers who want or need to be trained.It allows for multiple students to be trained together without travel and lodging expenses. They get to learn with other people who they work with though they don’t get to meet and learn with others.
I hope that this review will be helpful in deciding which type of training will be the best option to get the training you need to learn biofeedback or neurofeedback and to qualify for BCIA certification.
Harry L. Campbell
914-762-4646 – Harry@biofeedbackinternational.com
Author of What Stress Can Do, Available on Amazon.com
Biofeedback Resources International Corp.
