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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
To earn an RBT credential you must:
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: