Top 5 Reasons to Become an RBT 

Cartoonish RBT giving a thumbs up.

Rewarding Career Paths 

Are you looking for a new career path? One with opportunities for growth, financial stability, and the chance to really make a difference in people’s lives? 

If you’re ready to elevate your career and help children with autism learn important social and life skills, then Applied ABC can help you earn your RBT! 

All you need to get started is to: 

  • Be at least 18 years old 

  • Have a high school diploma 

  • Pass a criminal background check 

  • Have a passion for helping children 

What Is an RBT? 

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are mental health professionals trained in implementing behavior plans. They work directly with clients on specific goals at home or in a clinical setting. RBTs are the foundation of any ABA program for young adults and children diagnosed with autism. 

The best part of the job is that RBTs have fun!  

Through play, RBTs bond and form relationships with their clients to help teach life and social skills while nurturing development on each individual’s unique journey with autism. 

RBTs often help clients with learning or developmental challenges in the following areas:  

  • Enhancing social skills and relationship building 

  • Decreasing maladaptive or disruptive behaviors (self-harm, tantrums, aggression, etc.) 

  • Increasing overall level of functioning and independence 

  • Building key cognitive and critical thinking skills 

  • Practicing daily living skills (personal hygiene, dressing, etc.)  

Top 5 Reasons You Should Become an RBT 

An Registered Behavior Technician providing ABA therapy to a child with autism at a desk.

1. It Will Help You Build Your Career as a Mental Health Professional 

RBTs work in many settings, including schools, childcare agencies, clinics, and even in the home of the family. After gaining experience working in the field, you can use the experience gained as an RBT to branch out in many different directions, including: 

  • Childcare administrator 

  • General/special education teacher/aide 

  • Group home staff 

  • Hospital administrator and staff 

  • Nursing supervisor or special needs staff 

  • Home health aide 

  • Emergency response team 

  • Hospice staff and supervisor 

Or, if you are interested in going deeper into ABA therapy, then becoming an RBT can help you: 

  • Earn your master's degree to become a case manager 

  • Go a step further and become a BCBA (Board-Certified Behavior Analyst) 

2. There Is a Great Need for RBTs 

Because of a greater understanding of how we define and recognize autism, more people are receiving a diagnosis than ever before. This is especially true in rural areas that have had (historically) less access to in-person treatment, causing an influx in ABA therapy in a home setting. 

According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, with the United States having almost 5.5 million citizens diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In comparison, there are only 123,960 RBTs and 58,345 BCBAs in the whole of the United States, as reported by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.  

Since 2013, the number of individuals with the RBT credential has increased, but growth isn’t keeping up with demand, especially in rural areas.  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth in this field in just the next five years. This means that with such a high demand, the best time to get started is now! 

3. There are Opportunities to Get Started Anywhere 

An RBT teaching a child with autism about music playing the drums.

Work anywhere you want! The RBT credential is valid in all 50 states and even Canada. 

The need for staff to work with individuals with ASD is growing nationwide. By having a national credential, you can move anywhere in the country to find employment. 

This is further expanded when working as an in-home RBT, allowing you to work anywhere that there is a child in need. Currently, Applied ABC is in over 25 states, 22 of which are exclusively offering in-home ABA therapy for clients. 

4. You’ll Have the Help to Shine  

RBTs work under the direct guidance of a clinical supervisor – typically a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). RBTs are responsible for the following: 

  • Implementing the provided behavior plans 

  • Carrying out therapy-based treatment using ABA practices 

  • Making observations and collecting behavior data 

BCBAs play a supervisory role by creating an individualized treatment plan and analyzing data. BCBAs also act as a mentor to RBTs and share their knowledge and experience with them. 

At Applied ABC, our goal is to unify our entire team and help shape the future of ABA therapy. You are never alone and will work directly with us as we create resources and support for our therapists.  

5. You’ll Make an Active Difference in Children’s Lives. 

This job not only provides you with virtually endless learning opportunities, but it can also change and transform children’s lives. Each day ends with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that you are making a difference. How often do you leave after a shift and think that now? 

Being an RBT takes energy, dedication, and a whole lot of patience. However, the pros outweigh the cons: 

  • Building relationships with incredible kids, clinicians, and caregivers 

  • Constantly learning and gaining experience in the field 

  • And most importantly, helping children learn necessary skills and see their growth 

The best RBTs are those who build relationships and find a way to make sessions light, fun, and engaging. From participating in a sing-along to practicing skills with flashcards, providers will have the chance to use engaging activities to fuel a child’s development based on the treatment plan established by the BCBA.  

How Applied ABC Can Lay the Path for Your New Career 

An RBT teaching a child with autism a lesson about reading.

If you enjoy helping others and find the science of human behavior and how people learn interesting, then Applied ABC is the place for you.  

Applied ABC will cover the following costs – with an estimated $1,050 value – as you work to earn your RBT credential:  

  • BACB Enrollment Costs  

  • RBT 40-Hour Course  

  • RBT Study Materials  

  • BCBA Assessment  

  • RBT Exam Fees (first attempt only)  

The Earn Your RBT with Applied ABC program is 100% free and can be completed in less than two months. We’ll walk you through every step of the RBT credentialing process, from sign-ups to scheduling your RBT exam, and help you become an expert in ABA therapy with first-hand experience in the field. Learn more here! 

Applied ABC