Is Becoming an RBT Right for Me?

Maybe you’ve thought about a career working with children and young adults with autism, but are concerned that you don’t have experience. Being a Registered Behavior Technician^® (RBT^®) may not be familiar to you, but in reality, it’s an in-demand, rewarding career where you provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) to help children and young adults with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities flourish and grow.

One of the best parts is that you don’t need experience—many providers offer training and mentorship to prepare you to use ABA therapy to help your clients become more independent, improve behaviors, and build social skills. So whether you’re just graduating from high school and are looking to start a career, or you’re considering a switch from a current job, being an RBT can be a great choice.

What is ABA therapy?

ABA therapy is one of the most crucial and effective care services available for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It’s a scientific, evidence-based therapeutic intervention that helps children and young adults with autism or other developmental disabilities succeed in their homes, schools, and communities. 

What is an RBT?

An RBT is someone who has received training, and under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst^® (BCBA^®), provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to children and young adults with autism.

What does a Registered Behavior Technician do?

Registered Behavior Technicians or RBTs are paraprofessionals who—under the supervision of Licensed Behavior Analysts and board-certified Assistant Behavior Analysts—help implement applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment plans.

On a day-to-day basis, RBT duties include: 

• Providing individualized, positive, behavioral support to clients.
• Implementing clearly defined procedures to address social, communication, behavioral, and self-help deficits
• Observing and recording data on client behavior.
• Communicating with clients, parents, and caregivers about the individual’s progress and treatment plan. 

Are you a good fit for a job as an RBT?

Depending on your goals, personality, and values, a job as an RBT could be a great next step in your career. Read on to see if any of these qualities apply to you. 

• Registered Behavioral Technicians love working with kids

  While RBTs can work with clients of any age, there is a high demand for services for children and young adults. You don’t need previous experience in childcare to be an RBT, but having a passion for working with kids and their families is essential.
  For those with experience in a related field such as a school or classroom environment, being an RBT can offer more flexibility in your schedule, more variety in your work environment, and a chance to work more closely with fewer children. 

• RBTs have an innate desire to help others and do meaningful work

ABA therapy helps individuals learn valuable skills, become more independent and achieve important, unique milestones. As an RBT, your work has an immensely positive impact on the lives of your clients and their families.

RBTs appreciate that their work is meaningful, enjoy building relationships with clients, and love to watch them reach their goals. 

• Registered Behavioral Technician Training offers a career change that requires no prior experience

If you already work in a classroom, health care, or childcare environment, becoming an RBT can be a great next step in your career—but you don’t need prior related experience to qualify for training. You don’t even need a college degree! 
As an RBT, you’ll work with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to provide care to clients while receiving on-the-job training and mentorship. Loving children and a willingness to learn is one of the only prerequisites for this job.

• RBTs enjoy independence and variety at work

If you want a job that never gets boring, look no further than being an RBT. No two RBT jobs look exactly the same, and the work of each role can vary day-to-day. ABA is provided both one-on-one and in group settings depending on the treatment plan.

Because ABA work is so personalized to the setting and individuals, it can also take place in any number of environments including the individual’s home, workplace, school, community, or a designated learning center.

Some supervisors may be on-site with you, but others may even do virtual supervision. BCBAs are known for offering a humanistic approach to supervision with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Through this method of mentorship, RBTs are able to be more confident in their roles, take on new responsibilities, and grow in their careers. 

• RBTs get a head start on a more specialized career path

If you have career ambitions to work in special education, psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or another related field, working as an RBT can provide valuable experience that will look great on a resume.

Not sure about your long-term goals? The ongoing learning and problem-solving skills you’ll develop as an RBT can open you up to any number of possibilities. 

How to become an RBT

To work as an RBT, you’ll need to earn your RBT credential. BAYADA’s training and credentialing assistance come at no cost to candidates who demonstrate they’re the right fit for this position. 

To qualify, you must be:

• At least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Complete a background check

To earn an RBT credential you must:

• Complete 40 hours of RBT training
• Pass the RBT competency assessment
• Pass the RBT exam
• Satisfy the RBT ethics code

Training at the BAYADA RBT Academy

The BAYADA RBT Academy will fully prepare you to pass the RBT certification test and to feel confident in applying the ABA therapy principles so you can help your young clients work toward their goals. The PAID training program is structured with comprehensive learning and experience modules over approximately 80 hours, so you can begin your new job in weeks instead of months or years.

BAYADA will be there to assist you every step of the way, from the time you complete your RBT course, through the certification exam, and to working with your first client who is well-matched to you. 

Benefits of training at the BAYADA RBT Academy include:

• A flexible online training program that allows participants to complete training on their own schedule. 
• Direction from a BAYADA BCBA to complete your Behavior Analyst Certification Board RBT competency assessment. 
• Free study sessions to prepare for the RBT exam.
• Reimbursement for the cost of your RBT exam and credentialing