The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) launched the Registered Behavior Technician™ (RBT®) credential in 2014. This level of certification was created for credentialing direct care staff, working with clients, being supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts®. As of the publication date of this article, there are 187,034 certified Registered Behavior Technicians (Source: https://www.bacb.com/bacb-certificant-data/ ). And we are only 10 years into this new professional role. I am excited to see how it grows over the next 10 years.

This entry-level certification comes with many appealing perks and offers a great starting point and a valuable experience for those pursuing a career in human services. A few perks include:

• A low barrier to entry. The age requirement is ONLY 18 years old. The education level requirement is a High School Diploma. A board certification that can be acquired right out of High School is impressive.
• There is a high demand across the United States for RBTs. Your certification is national (international including UK, Australia, and Canada), so it is borderless and allows for job placement in all 50 states.
• Flexible working hours are available. Many companies offer full-time or part-time options, with opportunities available in the early morning, late afternoon, evening and weekends. These work great with your school schedule. RBTs work in centers, clinics, schools, group homes and homes. Some companies offer jobs across each of these settings.
• Education reimbursement for higher education is available to RBTs at many companies.
• The average salary for a RBT in the U.S, is $51,751 (source: GlassDoor data updated June 6, 2024). One of the highest for paraprofessionals across the US. As an entry-level position, this is a great step for future growth in both career and salary.

Finding the right fit in a career is incredibly important. It’s not just about the job itself, but also about how well it aligns with your personal interests, strengths, and long-term goals. A career as a RBT can be very rewarding, especially if you have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact in their lives. It’s essential to consider whether the job environment, responsibilities, and opportunities for growth match what you are looking for in a career. Taking the time to explore and understand these aspects can lead to a more fulfilling and successful professional journey.

● Work one-on-one with clients: You will spend time with individuals, helping them practice new skills.

● Schools: You might work with children who need extra help with their behavior and learning. Some RBTs are staffed in special education classrooms, others support clients 1:1 during inclusion hours in general education classrooms.

● Homes: Some RBTs go to clients’ homes to provide support in a familiar environment. Your BCBA provides parent support, while you work with the child.

● Clinics and centers: These are places where clients come to receive therapy and support. Some RBTs work full-time and others have part-time roles. Many clinics have full day clients, as well as after school clients.

● Group homes: You might work with adults who live in group homes and need help with daily activities, including working at adult day workshops.

RBTs often work with people who have autism or other developmental disabilities. According to survey data, the primary area of professional emphasis for 81.84% of RBTs is Autism Spectrum Disorder (Source: https://www.bacb.com/bacb-certificant-data/ ). This is likely the result of insurance funding for ABA in the autism service industry. This does not limit the capabilities of RBTs. It is important to note that the skillset is transferrable across populations and settings. 

Working in direct care with clients of varying abilities and ages requires certain skills and qualities to be successful. Here are a few I wanted to highlight:

● Patience: Challenging behaviors come with the territory. Plus, you are an entry-level practitioner learning how to apply a science and work under a supervisor. This requires patience with yourself, your clients and your career.

● Communication: The relationship you build with your supervisor will require bi-directional communication and feedback. You will also need to talk and listen well, both with clients and their families.

● Observation: I call this our superpower. Paying close attention to how clients behave and learn is key. I don’t want to get too nerdy here, but observation leads to an understanding of the function of behavior – the key to understanding your clients’ WHY. (For nerdy career-focused support, you can book a 1:1 mentor sessions – click here to get claim your session)

● Compassion: Understanding and caring about your clients’ life experience and needs helps you support them better. Again with the nerdy talk – your client has setting events that affect behavior, just like you me. This can set them up for good and bad days. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion, even on their worst days. Self-compassion is important as well.

The RBT role is rewarding and has a lifelong impact on clients’ lives. If you have these skills and qualities, you might find this career to be a great fit for you!

In a recent survey of past and present Empowered RBT^TM students, I aimed to uncover patterns in the ideal populations RBTs prefer to support and settings where RBTs prefer to work. Respondents come from diverse backgrounds, including education, psychology, and medical fields. The results provide valuable insights into what drives satisfaction and success in this field. Here are the key patterns and trends:

Preferred Populations:

● Autistic and neurodivergent children: A significant number of respondents prefer working with autistic children, both at home and in school or clinical settings. This aligns with the foundational training Empowered RBTs^TM receive and highlights the rewarding nature of making a positive impact in the lives of these individuals.

● Adults with brain Injuries: Some respondents are open to working with adults with brain injuries, highlighting the limitless application of ABA.

● Children and adults with behavioral challenges, mental health concerns, learning disabilities and diverse special needs. This flexibility indicates a broad interest in making a difference across different demographics.

● Adults with addiction issues. Some are interested in supporting adults facing addiction, showing a dedication to helping individuals overcome significant challenges.

Ideal Settings:

● Schools and Clinics: Many respondents express a preference for working in schools or clinical settings, where they can collaborate with other professionals and have access to structured environments.

● Home-Based Services: Providing services in clients’ homes is also popular, allowing for a more personalized approach and the opportunity to involve family members in the intervention process. This setting is favored for its flexibility and the deeper connections it fosters with clients.

Understanding these preferences can help aspiring and new RBTs better align their job search with environments that match their interests, skills and strengths. Finding the right fit is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success in the RBT role, leading to a more fulfilling career.

There are specific professionals that can benefit from becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or taking the 40-hour Empowered RBT^TM course to enhance their current role. RBT training is a rewarding and strategic step in their career path, offering both immediate benefits and long-term growth opportunities.

● Paraprofessionals in schools:

Paras in the special education setting already work closely with students who have diverse learning needs. By becoming a RBT, they can enhance their skills in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and provide more targeted behavioral interventions, improving outcomes for their students.

● Pre-school teachers:

1 in 36 children are now diagnosed with autism (Source: CDC website 11/7/2024). Many others have ADHD, developmental delays or engaging in disruptive behaviors. Pre-school teachers report an increase in behavioral challenges in the classroom with each passing year. Without classroom management training in their core curriculum, this leaves pre-school teachers without the proper tools. RBT Training provides a comprehensive approach to supporting their students’ needs.

● Psychology Students:

Students pursuing a degree in psychology can gain practical experience in behavior analysis and therapy by working as a RBT. This role provides hands-on experience that complements their academic studies and can be a steppingstone to advanced careers in psychology or behavioral therapy. Plus, the flexible working hours available in the RBT role make it an ideal job for college students or those seeking part-time work.

● Career Changers from Related Fields:

Individuals with backgrounds in education, psychology, or healthcare can transition into the RBT role smoothly. Their existing skills and knowledge can be easily adapted to the responsibilities of an RBT, and the role offers opportunities for further education and career advancement within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

These professionals can leverage the RBT role to expand their expertise, enhance their career prospects, earn a good wage and make a greater impact in their respective fields.

Finding the right work environment is important for your success and satisfaction as a RBT. Here are some questions to consider on your journey:

● Do you see yourself being satisfied working in a school setting, a clinic, traveling to homes or possibly a group home?

● Are there other settings you would like to work in?

● What level of aggression are you willing and able to handle - day in and day out? I personally would not trade my experiences working in group homes and family homes. I also worked in a clinic and school setting – both as a full time employee and contractor providing in-school services. Each setting offers different experiences and challenges. But, it’s your experiences and challenges that shape you ;- ).

● Do you prefer to work with small/young children, adolescents, young adults, adults, geriatric adults?

● Do you have a passion for helping particular groups of clients, such as children with autism, adults with brain injuries, or individuals with behavioral challenges.?

Aligning your personal interests with your job can lead to greater job satisfaction and effectiveness. If you enjoy working with children, seek positions in schools or pediatric clinics. If you are passionate about mental health, look for roles that involve supporting individuals with behavioral or emotional challenges. Consider the questions you asked yourself in the above section, and find a work environment that checks your most or ALL of your boxes:

● Research Potential Employers: Look for companies with positive reviews from employees and clients. Websites like GlassDoor can provide insights into company culture and employee satisfaction.

● Ask Questions During Interviews: Inquire about supervision, ongoing training, and opportunities for professional development. A supportive employer will invest in your growth.

● Network with Other RBTs: Join online forums, such as RBT Connection or local groups to connect with other RBTs. They can offer advice and share their experiences with different employers.

● Have a learning mindset: Be open to constructive feedback and be intellectually curious. You might not find a job that checks ALL of your boxes. But, with a learning mindset – the more you know, the more you grow. New opportunities will present themselves along the way.