Being a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a rewarding career choice!
What is an RBT?
In order to understand what an RBT is, you must first understand what Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is. Practiced for several decades, ABA is the science devoted to understanding and improving socially validated human conduct through objective means.
Registered Behavior Technicians implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to individuals with developmental disabilities, although, they can also work with neurotypical individuals, animals, organizations, and more. As a result of these important services, RBTs produce proven, positive change for clients and a sense of pride and accomplishment for all!
Are there eligibility requirements for RBTs?
- 18 years or older
- High school diploma
- Pass a background check
- Complete a comprehensive 40-hour training course that meets standards established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
- Complete and pass the initial competency assessment
- Apply and pass the exam
A course, assessment, and exam may seem overwhelming, however, with the right RBT training package, you can easily meet all of the eligibility requirements and pass your examination. Some organizations even provide free training for prospective RBTs. More on that later!
Is there an opportunity for growth?
The field of ABA is rapidly expanding, and it is the perfect time to explore career opportunities as an RBT. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that careers in this field will grow significantly through 2028 at a rate much higher (12-22%) than the national job growth average (5%).
So, where do I begin? (Glad you asked!)
We’re so happy you want to help make a difference! Many organizations seeking to hire RBTs also provide training for interested applicants. There are free and paid options as well.
If you happen to live in sunny SoCal, California Unified Service Providers, LLC (CUSP) provides state-of-the-art behavior analytic interventions to help people meet their maximum potential. Moreover, CUSP takes great pride in providing an extensive and high-quality training program for our prospective RBTs.
We identify and develop the very best clinical staff to perform the highest quality clinical services. CUSP not only gives you the tools you need to pass the RBT exam, but we will provide you with a broader understanding of ABA to take into the field as you work one-on-one with children and adults. Our team is passionate about disseminating the science of human behavior, and we begin with our technicians who work in the field on a daily basis.
Tell me more about the CUSP advantage.
Here at CUSP, after you have completed the 40-hour module and role-play training, it’s time to start playing! We start with basic play training, usually with neurotypical children. We realize that for many of us, by the time we graduate college, it has been many years since we have done any playing with little children. Often, ABA programs incorporate natural environment teaching (NET), which means that learning is embedded naturally in play and other activities. So, it’s very important that our RBTs feel comfortable playing with children!
Next, it’s time to get your feet wet with our clients. You will spend several weeks shadowing and working with experienced Senior RBTs to observe sessions and then begin to implement the programs you are learning.
We want you to feel confident in your newly acquired knowledge and skills before you even take the RBT exam!
What will I learn as an RBT at CUSP?
- Principles of Behavior: Discover five empirically studied principles explaining how behavior increases, decreases, strengthens or weakens. The principles are universal and apply to all living creatures, not just people with developmental disabilities. Added Bonus: RBTs will use these principles in their professional life… and can even use them in their personal life!
- The Elementary Verbal Operants: B.F. Skinner created a functional analysis of language and called it, “Verbal Behavior.” This non-linguistic approach to how we use language makes for the ideal language development programs for children with developmental disabilities.
- Data Collection and Graphing: Record valid and reliable data on the change programs we utilize with our clients. This essential information tells us if our treatment plans are working, or if we need to modify them for more advantageous gains.
- The Elements of Teaching New Behaviors: Learn all of the elements of a technological program to teach skills to our clients. Knowing your role and responsibilities ensures that our clients are set up for a successful response.
- The Elements of Decreasing Undesirable Behaviors: Gain a thorough understanding of a behavior intervention plan (BIP), as well as how and when intervention should be used on maladaptive behaviors.
- Ethics: The BACB has a set of ethical guidelines that all RBTs must abide by. Together, we review each guideline with practical and real-life examples for assured compliance.
Any other career perks?
CUSP goes well beyond the BACB required 40-hour training to ensure that our RBTs have ALL of the necessary skills. In addition, we want our RBTs to FEEL comfortable and supported in their roles. As a result, we pride ourselves on clinical excellence and the relationships built with the families with whom we work!
If you live in Southern California and are interested in a rewarding career in the field of ABA, learn more about the RBT career opportunities at CUSP!
- Paid training provided
- Full-time positions available
NOTE: To qualify for this position, you must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, as well as a reliable vehicle and proof of insurance.