Working with families and children with autism and other special needs is a rewarding job. Through Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, you can help children meet their maximum potential, working with them to learn new life skills while reinforcing positive behavioral skills. Families rely on you and their team of therapists for support, guidance, and training. This helps them continue to use ABA practices throughout the child’s natural environments when they leave your sessions.
The Behavioral Technician Path
If you’re interested in becoming a Registered Behavioral Technician, entering the ABA field as a Behavioral Tech is an excellent way to get started. A Behavioral Technician is an entry-level position which will allow you to become familiar with the practices and foundations of ABA therapy. With a high school diploma and little to no experience needed, you’ll gain insight, experience, and invaluable training.
The role of a tech includes assisting in implementing strategies to help the child create behavioral changes and learn new life and social skills. Techs work closely with the child, their family, and his team of therapists. A tech is not responsible for developing his ABA goals or assessments but will assist in helping the team implement the individualized plan. Your duties may include:
- Collecting and recording data
- Assist therapists with assessments
- Assist with parent and additional caregiver training
- Work with the child to help implement his behavioral plan
A Registered Behavioral Technician Career
Taking the next step to becoming registered provides many incredible benefits. A Registered Behavioral Technician, or RBT, opens many doors. It offers more career opportunities, higher salary, and more responsibility in the child’s plan. A Registered Behavioral Technician is a paraprofessional whose responsibilities may include:
- Assessment
- Measurement
- Skill acquisition
- Reduction of behaviors
- Documentation
- Reporting
Registered Behavioral Technicians implement behavior-analytic services, including ABA therapy, while under the close supervision of a BCBA-D, BCBA, or BCaBA. Yearly recertification is also required as a registered tech.
Who Else Can Become a Registered Technician?
Those who meet the requirements and will be working with children, clients, and/or families needing assistance with various developmental behavior needs are eligible and encouraged. This includes:
- Parents
- Educators
- Case managers
- Home health providers, including daycare or afterschool care staff
Meeting the Requirements
In accordance with the BACB, Behavioral Analyst Certification Board, several requirements must be met before becoming an ABA Behavioral Technician, including:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- High School graduate or equivalent
- Submit a background check within 180 days of your Registered Behavioral Technician application
- Completing 40 hours of required training
- Passing the RBT Competency Assessment
- Passing the RTB examination
- Ethics and Professional Conduct instruction and assessments
Meeting the Required Training
You’ll be happy to learn there are a few routes to explore to meet your needs while working as a Behavioral Technician.
Agency Training Programs:
Various agencies create their own training programs. Supervisors accept new hires and candidates from within to train in-house; meeting the requirements of the BACB. You may also seek out an external agency that provides this required training.
Traditional Course Programs:
Some companies offer online options, while others hold in-person classes. Applying to a University is another option you may want to consider.
Training + Program:
You can now find programs that offer your training within their RBT program. This option will provide you with your necessary training certificate for your RBT application.
An additional option offered to those who are already working in Behavioral Techs positions makes exceptions for those who meet the following criteria:
- Completed 40 hours of qualified training
- Meet all other RBT requirements
- If training was before January 1, 2015, you might be eligible. You need to demonstrate adequate training was completed, all requirements were met, and you can successfully carry out duties as outlined in the RBT Task List.
Your Competency Assessment and Exam
After you’ve completed your 40 hours of training, a direct observation assessment is scheduled for you to show you are competent in all RBT Task List areas. Once you have passed this assessment, you may move on to your examination. Passing your RBT Exam is your last step in becoming a Registered Behavioral Technician.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about becoming an RBT to help others, or because you’d like to educate yourself and your family, you’ll find there are many benefits. Blossom is proud to be an employer who helps our employees become registered behavior technicians. We believe in helping our staff further their education, experience, and careers. Blossom will assist with tuition reimbursement if an employee decides to further their career path towards becoming a BCBA, OT, SLP, or Counselor. For more information on ABA therapy services in the Detroit area, contact Blossom Children’s Center today!
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