Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician can lead to a rewarding career in a specialized healthcare field. 

But what actually is a Registered Behavior Technician, and why should you get started in this rewarding field?

Here is a guide to everything you need to know about the work, the program, and the career it can help you to pursue. 

What is a Registered Behavior Technician?

Registered behavior technicians work in behavioral analysis and intervention of clients, usually those on the autism spectrum. 

Although working with behavioral disorders is the most common path taken, you could additionally use your training to work in psychiatric care, mental health, and education. The main link between all of these sectors is that you’re providing care to help people live and work more successfully. The most typical jobs involve implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) plans for clients. Common settings include in schools, clinics, and clients’ homes. 

The demand is high for professionals to work in all three of these settings around the San Diego area. Jobs are expected to grow 58.5% by 2034 in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad area, which is well above the national average. The median salary for an RBT in the San Diego area is $55,272, with a range from $47,000 to $65,000 annually. 

What are the Objectives of the Training Course? 

To make sure you’re prepared to take the BCBA certification exam, you’ll learn all about the role of the RBT and how to do it ethically. 

  • Responsibilities of the RBT: An important part of becoming an RBT is being able to understand exactly what your role is. While the title may seem straightforward, it’s much more nuanced. Being able to articulate what your job exactly is is very key. 
  • Measuring Behaviors: To be an RBT, you need to be able to define certain behaviors and record their occurrence. You can then analyze this data to understand trends and areas that may need attention. This is how you’ll be able to make and follow a care plan for your patient.  
  • Understanding Appropriate Interventions: It’s important to understand when the right time is to intervene in a situation. Some behaviors and actions may be more urgent than others, and above all else, you need to know to stick to your Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for the client. 

This course offers an opportunity for you to receive feedback on in-course assignments from Board-Certified Behavior Analysts to further prepare you for the examination. 

How Long Does the Training Course Take to Complete?

The RBT training course from SDSU Global Campus is entirely self-paced, but you will be able to complete it in three months or less.

Flexibility is important, that’s why this course is fully online and can be completed at whatever pace works best for you. You don’t have to put your life or work on hold to be able to become a certified RBT. You can register at any time, and there are no prerequisites needed to start.

However, to take the certification exam there are additional requirements beyond the 40 training hours:

  • 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Passed criminal background check
  • Successfully complete the RBT initial competency assessment
  • Approved application from BACB

Why are Registered Behavior Technicians Important?

Registered Behavior Technicians make real impacts on the lives of individuals who need their services, as well as their families. 

Through their work, RBTs improve the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum. They help to foster independence, and provide any support necessary to make sure they can succeed in school and at home. They help their clients develop skills in communication, social interaction, and daily living skills. 

SDSU Global Campus offers a Registered Behavior Technician Certification Training course through ed2go which fulfills this requirement. The 100% online course will prepare you to take the BACB certification exam and start working as an RBT in a few months. 

As an RBT, you’re actively helping people live their best lives and grow into the best version of themselves. If this sounds like a good career for you, you can sign up for this training course and start at any time.