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How to Become a Registered Behavior Technician in Schools
The demand for all types of healthcare and school-based professionals has grown steadily over the past few years, resulting in some medical organizations and educational facilities needing help to overcome staffing challenges. Some of the most sought-after professionals are registered behavior technicians and certified behavior technicians. For those interested in making a career change, the first step is learning more about this profession and how to become a registered behavior technician.
What Is a Registered Behavior Technician?
A registered behavior technician (RBT) in an educational facility is a mental health professional who uses a variety of techniques, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), to help students improve their quality of life by reducing unwanted behavior, assisting children in developing social skills, providing guidance to families, and documenting progress. Registered behavior technicians work in a variety of environments, but they are perhaps most needed in schools.
Registered behavior technicians can provide treatment for a number of mental health conditions, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorders
There are many reasons to become a registered behavior technician, but most RBTs that work in schools would agree that the most rewarding aspect of their job is that they help young people improve their mental health and enhance their self-esteem. Also, a college degree is not required to become an RBT, so it’s an excellent opportunity for people who want to work with behaviorally challenged individuals without racking up thousands of dollars in student loans.
How to Become a Registered Behavior Technician
To become a registered behavior technician who works in a school, a person must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Next, a potential candidate must complete RBT training, which includes a 40-hour course. The next step to becoming a registered behavior technician is to pass the RBT Certification exam, which consists of 75 multiple-choice questions that cover:
- Assessment
- Behavior reduction
- Documentation and reporting
- Measurement
- Professional conduct and scope of practice
- Skill acquisition
Once certification has been achieved, an RBT must maintain supervision requirements, which necessitate being supervised at least 5% of the time providing services by a certified behavior technician, also known as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The main difference between a certified behavior technician vs. a registered behavior technician is the level of education, with a BCBA typically achieving a graduate or doctorate degree.
Find the Next Step in Your Career as an RBT with Amergis Educational Staffing
For over thirty years, Amergis Staffing has been proud to connect school and districts with highly-qualified professionals. Due to our experience in the industry, our extensive database of educational facilities in need of top talent helps us to streamline the entire hiring process.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to become a registered behavior technician in schools, explore available behavioral health job postings today.
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