How to Become an RBT: A Comprehensive Guide

An RBT works under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to implement treatment plans and assist in assessments to children with neurodevelopmental differences. The best part? You don’t need years of education to begin your journey.

A therapist working with a young girl and updating her progress.

Educational Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Unlike careers that require extensive academic qualifications, the RBT role only requires a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.

40-Hour Training

You’ll also need to complete a 40-hour training course that covers the RBT Task List, ethical requirements, and other key aspects of the job. This training can often be done online and must be completed within a 180-day period.

Certifications and Qualifications

RBT Competency Assessment

After your 40-hour training, you’ll need to pass an RBT Competency Assessment, which is generally administered by a BCBA. This involves demonstrating your skills in a practical setting.

RBT Examination

Once you pass the competency assessment, you're eligible to take the RBT exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). A passing score grants you the RBT credential.

Career Progression

Entry-Level

Most RBTs start by providing direct care to children in one-on-one or group settings, implementing specific treatment plans designed by a BCBA.

Mid-Career

With experience, you may be given additional responsibilities, such as training new RBTs or even managing certain parts of a treatment program under the supervision of a BCBA.

Advanced Career

While an RBT is generally considered an entry-level role in the field of ABA, there is the possibility for career growth. You could go on to become a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or even a BCBA with additional education and training.

Salary Expectations

The salary for an RBT can vary depending on geographic location and experience. Generally, you can expect to earn between $30,000 and $45,000 per year.

Daily Responsibilities

Treatment Implementation: Follow treatment plans created by the BCBA to teach clients new skills and reduce problematic behaviors.
Data Collection: Monitor and record client behavior data during sessions for later analysis.
Assist in Assessments: Support the BCBA in conducting behavioral assessments.
Communication: Regularly communicate with the supervising BCBA about client progress and challenges.

Essential Skills

Communication Skills: Strong communication is crucial for effectively discussing client progress and any issues with your supervising BCBA.
Patience and Adaptability: Working with clients who have neurodevelopmental differences requires a lot of patience and the ability to adapt to various situations.
Basic Data Collection: You’ll need to be competent in collecting and recording data accurately as it’s crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment plans.
Teamwork: Ability to work in a team as you'll often collaborate with BCBAs and other healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Becoming an RBT is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental differences. The educational and training commitments are relatively minimal compared to other roles in the healthcare field, making it an accessible career path for many. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to transition from another career, becoming an RBT provides a fulfilling and valuable opportunity to contribute positively to people’s lives.

Cortica is actively hiring Behavior Interventionists and BCBA’s across the country. Please head to our careers page to see a list of open roles near you: https://www.corticacare.com/careers