Deciding whether to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a significant choice that should be based on various factors, including your interest in the field, career goals, and personal circumstances.
From my own personal standpoint, there are so many advantages to earning the certification of Registered Behavior Technician. It was one of the best decisions of my professional career. As an RBT, many times you will be referred to as an ABA therapist. Although you do not hold a degree in therapy, you will be a practitioner providing ABA therapy, which is why I reference your title as an ABA therapist and RBT interchangeably throughout this article.
What is an ABA therapist or Registered Behavior Technician?
It's important to distinguish between an ABA therapist and a behavior analyst. Behavior analysts supervise, manage, and run ABA programs as consultants. ABA therapists are the foundation of any ABA program, as they are the ones who work with the consumer day to day and teach new skills. As an ABA therapist, you are typically responsible for teaching very specific skills and implementing a behavior plan written by a BCBA. ABA therapists can also work with a variety of clients, not just young kids on the autism spectrum. There’s a growing demand from schools who want ABA services for typically developing children, as well as ABA professionals working with adult populations and even animals.
What is it like being an ABA therapist?
The clients you work with can take you from sheer joy to the pit of frustration very quickly! On Monday your client could be excited to see you and give you a huge hug, and then on Thursday they might try to bite you. Even if you only work with one client, every day won't be the same. That's what is so great about this job in my opinion; if you have a bad session you get to hit "reset" and start over again the next day. If you are a person who loves "sameness," routine, and predictability, you might not enjoy this type of work. The field changes all the time, parent expectations can change, the behavior plan can change, the programs change. Being happy with change is pretty important!
What kind of person would be a good fit as an RBT/ABA therapist?
Anyone who is passionate about special needs or human differences, is detail-oriented, energetic, and loves to learn. Parents often feed off of the enthusiasm of the ABA therapist and feel encouraged by it. It’s important that as a professional working in ABA, you enjoy learning because you never stop learning when this is your job. Research and technology advance the field regularly. You have to be open to receiving supervision and correction, even if you have been doing this for years. If you aren’t a person who can take constructive criticism, then this likely isn’t the job for you!
What are the hours like?
There’s a lot of variability as far as scheduling depending on your work setting. If you work inside homes with very young children, you'll probably have early morning hours (as most young children still nap). If you work at a school, then most likely you will have an 8-3 style schedule, with variations of course. If you work for an agency, you will likely have a jam-packed schedule of varying days and times, sometimes with really unpleasant huge gaps in your schedule. For example, I once had Monday sessions from 9-12 and then again from 4-7. Working weekends should not be mandatory. If you burn yourself out with a hectic caseload, then what do you have left to give to your clients, or to yourself and your own family?
Do I have to have an RBT credential?
The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential is a means to establish a minimum education and training requirement for ABA practitioners. Is it necessary to be able to enter the field/get a job? Not typically. However, employers may require it, funding sources may require it (think health insurance companies who are paying for the ABA therapy bill), and ultimately, it is a great way to learn more about the science of behavior analysis. Keep in mind that the RBT professional is not intended as a standalone position. In other words, you cannot work independently as a RBT -- you will need a supervising BCBA.
Where can I find RBT jobs?
This can be tricky. It’s often easier to find an ABA job when you already have one, because of referrals and word of mouth. If you are looking to break into the field, I’d recommend working for an ABA provider or agency first. You will get more clients and supervision than you would striking out on your own. Research the ABA providers in your area and contact them to see if they need ABA therapists. If they don’t hire inexperienced therapists, see if they have volunteer positions so you can gain experience. Try to obtain the RBT credential on your own, as it makes you a competitive job seeker even if you lack experience. You can also try your local or state organizations for ABA, as they often allow members to post job openings on their websites. If you are currently a college student, often the heads of the Education or Psychology departments will have leads on ABA jobs or practicum sites.
Are you interested in becoming an RBT? Check out our RBT Study Guide and RBT Workbook to learn more about the certification exam!
I never make a decision without making a pros and cons list. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to exploring this career path:
PROS
High Demand: The demand for RBTs is consistently strong, especially with increasing awareness and diagnoses of autism and other behavioral conditions.
Entry-Level Position: Becoming an RBT is often considered a good starting point in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), requiring only a high school diploma and a 40-hour training course in most cases.
Rewarding Work: If you find fulfillment in helping others, especially children with behavioral issues, this can be a highly rewarding career both emotionally and professionally.
Flexibility: Many RBT positions offer flexible hours, which could be a good fit if you are looking for a job that can work around a school schedule or other commitments.
Career Growth: Working as an RBT can be a stepping stone to more advanced roles in the field of ABA, such as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), for which further education and certification are required.
CONS
Emotionally Challenging: The work can be emotionally draining, as it often involves dealing with challenging behaviors and situations.
Physically Demanding: The role may require you to be on your feet for extended periods and engage in physical activities like lifting or restraining clients when necessary.
Pay Scale: While the demand for RBTs is high, it is generally considered an entry-level position in the field of ABA, and the pay scale reflects that.
Limited Scope: The scope of practice for an RBT is limited to what has been directly supervised by a BCBA or BCaBA. This means your ability to take on certain tasks without direct oversight is restricted.
Requirement for Ongoing Supervision: The role requires ongoing supervision by a BCBA or BCaBA, which might not appeal to those who prefer more autonomous roles.
Taking the time to thoroughly research the role, perhaps even talking to current RBTs or taking a 'day in the life' tour if possible, can provide valuable insights.
Choosing to become an RBT is a commitment to a specific career path with its unique challenges and rewards. If the pros outweigh the cons for you, and if it aligns with your personal and professional goals, it could very well be the right choice.
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