How To Become A Registered Behavior Technician In 2023 | Full Step Guide

If you want to know how to become a registered behavior technician in 2023, you have come to the right place. This guide will walk you through all the steps necessary to make it happen.

The job of a registered behavior technician is one that many people find very rewarding. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but the result is worth it.

Keep reading if you are ready to learn more about this career path!

Who Is A Behavior Technician?

A behavioral technician, also known as a registered behavioral technician (RBT), is a medical specialist who works directly with patients and clients to provide services while overseen by different behavior analysts.

These services frequently focus on mental health and assist in the treatment of a variety of conditions:

  • Abuse of substances
  • PTSD
  • The Down syndrome
  • Eating problems

Analysts, doctors, psychologists, or nurses typically determine treatment plans based on the condition, and the technician supervises and assesses the results with more personal involvement.

Behavior technicians may also provide counseling and therapy to patients and administer medication when indicated.

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What Does A Registered Behavior Technician Do?

A behavioral technician’s duties can vary depending on the patient’s treatment plan and condition. Among your responsibilities may be:

  • As needed, travel to individual homes and facilities.
  • Assisting families in assisting the client in reaching milestones.
  • Medication administration.
  • Client progress is monitored and shared with family members and caregivers.
  • Observing and recording data on behavior, including improvements and regressions.
  • Conducting behavioral or psychiatric evaluations.
  • Working with patients and clients to help them improve their physical and emotional abilities.
  • Assisting behavioral analysts in the preparation of client materials.
  • Assisting patients with activities of daily living.

An analyst and technician, for example, may visit a patient’s home to administer tests to assess speech levels and gross motor functions.

Depending on the outcome, the technician may be in charge of regular treatment plans that include strengthening the muscles involved in speech or making sounds to determine future needs or to encourage steady progression. After recording the data weekly, the technician reports to the analyst, who updates the patient’s family on treatment plans.

Working with people of all ages is a fantastic perk of the career of a behavior technician. You’ll be able to improve the lives of others and assist them in solving their issues. If you want to work as a behavior technician.

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How To Become A Registered Behavior Technician

Below are steps on how to become a registered behavior technician:

Step 1: Finish the RBT Certification Coursework (40 hours)

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) has stringent criteria for RBT candidates to follow regarding coursework.

Online training programs, universities, and government agencies all offer training that covers the BACB’s RBT 2nd Edition Task List. From the beginning to the end, this training must last at least five days but no more than 180 days.

Which training is perfect for you is highly dependent on your learning style. Many available training sessions are self-paced, forcing you to be disciplined to finish the coursework before the 180-day deadline. If you have trouble understanding the terminology, an in-person course with accessibility to an instructor to respond to your inquiries may be best for you. However, some online options also offer support to individuals.

Many employers will cover the cost of training for new employees, but some employers may impose conditions on this training. If your employer provides this training, make sure you understand their expectations.

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Step 2: Pass the RBT Competency Assessment with the help of a BCBA

The RBT applicant must complete an assessment by the BACB proving their proficiency in each task list category. According to the BACB website, the initial competency assessment consists of twenty assessment items and must be completed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

You must demonstrate an understanding each skill through role-playing, an interview, or working with a client.

At least three skills must be proven with a client, according to the BACB. The client does not have to be a potential client, but they must be someone who would benefit from behavior-analytic services.

This requirement may make completing the competency assessment outside of a work environment difficult; however, many BCBAs are willing to assist RBT candidates in meeting this requirement at a price.

Many employers, as with the RBT coursework, provide a BCBA supervisor to complete the assessment. Many of the same questions that were raised earlier apply here. Make sure you understand what your employer expects of you if they conduct this assessment on your behalf. Don’t expect this to come without conditions.

Practice when you’re ready to finish the competency assessment. Check that you comprehend the terminology. This will make the evaluation faster and easier, reducing much pressure.

Step 3: Pass the RBT Certification Exam

Before taking the exam, you must create an account on the BACB Gateway. You will be instructed through each step required to apply for the exam. You must upload documentation confirming your eligibility to take the exam, including your coursework certificate, and have your BCBA supervisor complete their attestations. At the moment, the BACB demands a $50 application fee.

Because the exam is administered at a Pearson Vue testing center, you will need to schedule an appointment with the testing center once the BACB has approved your application. Unlike the other BACB exams, the RBT exam is always available, including Saturdays. The examination fee is $45.

The RBT certification exam comprises multiple questions that assess your understanding of ABA terminology and theory. It closely corresponds to items on the task list, so you should be well prepared after finishing your 40-hour training.

There are numerous methods for preparing for the exam. Examine the material from the 40-hour training, understand any ambiguous terminology, and consult with your BCBA supervisor. Your BCBA supervisor is an excellent resource for comprehending the material.

Is RBT Certification Worth It?

If you want to work in applied behavior analysis or advance your career in the field, then RBT certification is worth it.

An RBT may work 1:1 with clients in various settings, including the client’s home, a group home, the community, or a school, usually under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Although they may also work with other groups, RBTs typically work with individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. When offering behavior-analytic services and dealing directly with clients, certification is necessary and is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

It is a profitable and exciting career path, particularly for those who enjoy assisting people of all ages in acquiring new skills through evidence-based strategies.

How Much Do Registered Behavior Technicians Make?

The average annual salary for a behavioral technician is $42,965. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 12% increase in job opportunities for this position by 2029, which is significantly greater than the national average. This job, as an entry-level part-time position, is an excellent place to begin to see if a related career is perfect for you.

These are the reasonable hourly rates for RBTs based on your level of knowledge and experience:

  • Less than one year: $15.50 per hour
  • 1–4 years: $16.34 per hour
  • $17.60/hour for 5 to 9 years
  • $18.57/hour for 10 to 19 years
  • $20/hour after 20 years

The actual salary of an RBT varies depending on several factors, including advanced certifications, education, and skills, which can increase hourly pay.

The potential for job growth is a significant advantage of beginning as an RBT. If an RBT decides to pursue additional credentials in ABA, it will pay off because these other certifications will aid salary growth.

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How Much Does It Cost To Become An RBT?

It is surprisingly inexpensive to become a registered behavior technician. The required 40-hour training courses for the role can be found online for free or for a few hundred dollars.

The BACB application fee is only $50, with an additional $45 fee for taking the required RBT exam. If you plan carefully, you can become an RBT for less than $100.

FAQs On How To Become A Registered Behavioral Technician

Who is a registered behavioral technician?

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy department. They assist children or adults with autism to enrich their lives, they hope to make the world a better place.

Who is eligible for RBT certification?

A registered behavior technician certification is available to anyone interested in a career in ABA.

What is the age requirement to become an RBT?

You must be at least 18 years of age to become a registered behavioral technician.

For how long does RBT certification last?

RBT certification lasts for one year after you obtain the certificate.

Conclusion

You can become a Registered Behavior Technician if you have the skills, knowledge, and experience required for the job. The process is not complicated, but it requires a lot of effort and commitment from you.

Make sure you prepare yourself before applying for this job. You must be passionate about working with children and adults with behavioral disorders. The reward is worth the hard work because you will be able to help those who need assistance.

References

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