RBTs and BCBAs Most Popular Types of Jobs: A bachelor’s degree in social work, behavioural science, or a similar subject is preferred by employers, while an associate degree is required to become a certified behaviour technician. You need to know how to provide first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and have your background checked. In addition to being actively involved in continuing education for behaviour analysts, you need to be registered with the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB). State requirements differ.
Exceptional time management abilities, forbearance, compassion, and strong verbal and written communication skills are additional qualifications. It is also a good idea to get professional liability insurance.
Here are a few top related job searches on ZipRecruiter with the most available openings if you’re interested in a career as a Registered Behaviour Technician.
What is a BCBA?
Board-certified behaviour analysts (BCBAs) create treatment plans to help autistic children with problematic behaviours, such tantrums, that have been previously detected.
They are able to implement these programs in many environments and oversee others who are doing the same, including RBTs, thanks to their substantial ABA training.
What Are The Main Differences Between BCBAs and RBTs?
A BCBA’s certification to practice independently is the main differentiating factor between these professions.
While a BCBA or other more senior ABA practitioner must always keep an RBT under close supervision.
Professional Responsibilities
As members of a therapeutic team, BCBAs are accountable for a wider variety of duties.
- The responsibility for conducting the intake interview and first evaluation falls on the BCBA in the event that a child comes to the clinic expressing signs of autism.
- Once an autistic kid has been diagnosed, they are responsible for creating and supervising their treatment plan.
- A BCBA’s responsibilities also include keeping the client’s family and other relevant parties (such as the client’s paediatrician, teachers, and other therapists) updated on progress towards objectives and any necessary revisions to the behaviour plan.
- To make sure the autism intervention program they created is working, the BCBA regularly checks in with all of the child’s therapists in their supervisory position.
- Supporting the former in their work, RBTs carry out the treatment plans and objectives they have developed.
- It would be the job of the RBT to use the most appropriate kind of ABA treatment to curb the hazardous behaviours shown by the young autistic client, as determined by the BCBA, for instance.
- Throughout this child’s treatment sessions, the RBT would gather several sorts of data.
- As with other customers, the RBT would diligently track the client’s development and make note of any improvements or setbacks. Next, they would advise their supervisor, who is a BCBA, of that knowledge.
Educational Requirements
Obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent is the first educational qualification for an RBT.
- A 40-hour RBT training program, proof of legal age, and satisfactory results from a background check are all requirements.
- The RBT training is available at local colleges both online and in traditional classroom settings.
- Participants in the ABA therapy training program gain knowledge about the profession’s ethical norms, methods for reducing problematic behaviours (such as aggressiveness), the significance of thorough documentation, and client skill development (such as enhancing social skills).
The BACB will offer an RBT exam once they finish.
Candidates may apply for RBT certification when they complete the test.
A BCBA, on the other hand, needs a master’s degree in addition to 315 hours of ABA classes. Many different post-secondary schools that are accredited by the ABA provide that curriculum.
The BCBA exam can be taken by candidates upon completion. On top of that, students need to put in between 1,500 and 2,000 hours of fieldwork while being supervised by an experienced BCBA expert.
A candidate may apply for BCBA certification when this is completed.
Certification and License Requirements
Certification from the BACB is the first step in the recognised career routes for RBTSs and BCBAs.
- Certification for RBT must be renewed annually. The RBT code of ethics, the renewal competence testing, and supervisorial paperwork are all part of this procedure.
- Certification as a BCBA has to be renewed every two years. In addition to following the BCBA’s code of ethics, they must complete continuing education requirements.
- At this time, a state licence is not necessary for RBTs. However, in order to work as a BCBA, one must get a licence, which varies from state to state.
Salary
The salary disparity between RBTs and BCBAs is remarkable. In contrast to the $75,784 average income for a BCBA, the median annual compensation for an RBT is $44,133.
- Be aware that experience and geographic region have a significant impact on salary ranges for both occupations.
- Take Colorado Springs, Colorado, where a BCBA earns $70,927 a year, as an example. In Brooklyn, New York, that figure jumps to $123,312.
- Also, a receptionist in San Jose, California, would make $51,058 per year, but the same person in Houston, Texas, would get $38,735 per year.
Career Paths for RBTs and BCBAs
Both RBTs and BCBAs may look forward to a prosperous career in the field because of the great demand for their services right now.
- From 2021–2031, RBT employment is projected to increase at a rate of 9 percent, which is higher than the national average for occupations, according to the BLS. From 2010 to 2021, on the other hand, demand for BCBAs surged 5,852%.
- The potential for expansion in the RBT and BCBA seems boundless, given the rapid rise in the number of individuals identified with emotional or physical developmental impairments like autism.
- As a first step in learning the ropes of the business, many professionals start out as RBTs in the ADA treatment sector.
- They often reach a point when they want to become a lead RBT and oversee their own team, so they opt to go back to school. Other options include obtaining a master’s degree and becoming a BCBA.
- The professional opportunities for an RBT are limitless. From public and private institutions to schools and clients’ homes, registered behaviour technicians operate in a wide variety of contexts.
- Certification as a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) indicates a high degree of education and expertise, which opens up several career paths. Many ABA therapists, including RBTs, may work under their supervision in their own clinics.
Choosing the Best Path for You
The routes that RBTs and BCBAs take to get jobs are both alike and different in some ways. In order to assist people with exceptional needs in realising their maximum potential, both of them have received ABA training. However, compared to an RBT, a BCBA’s professional function is more intricate and brings with it a higher level of responsibility.
In order to provide your customers the finest treatment possible, it’s important to select a job that you’re really enthusiastic about. The more you learn about these diverse career options, the better your chances of doing just that.
Top Types Of Registered Behavior Technician Jobs
Internship Registered Behavioral Technician
Salary range: $42,000-$51,500 per year
Clinic Based Rbt
Salary range: $42,500-$69,500 per year
Online Rbt
Salary range: $37,000-$48,500 per year
Weekend Registered Behavioral Technician
Salary range: $32,500-$40,000 per year
International Registered Behavioral Technician
Salary range: $32,500-$40,000 per year
Part Time Weekend Aba
Salary range: $37,000-$48,500 per year
Part Time Rbt
Salary range: $37,000-$48,500 per year
Full Time Rbt
Salary range: $37,000-$48,500 per year
Rbt Training
Salary range: $39,500-$54,500 per year
Freelance Registered Behavioral Technician
Salary range: $32,500-$40,000 per year