In order to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in New York City, you will need to meet certain age and education standards, complete a rigorous training program, and pass a handful of exams. Here’s what to know about the journey towards becoming an RBT, including options for ABA therapy at home.
What is an RBT?
A Registered Behavior Technician is a professional who is trained to help individuals with behavior challenges. The primary goal of an RBT is to provide ethical and quality behavior analysis services to those who need it most, using ABA therapy methods.
The goal of an RBT is to help bring impactful changes in the lives of patients who struggle with certain behavior deficits. These professionals will not be creating treatment plans but must know how to apply ABA therapy treatment plans directly to their patients. This type of therapy focuses on developing certain skills in people with developmental conditions such as autism and helping them learn the skills necessary to control certain behaviors and thrive in real-world settings. This may include:
- Learning or studying
- Verbal or nonverbal communication
- Life skills
- Behavior modifications
Typically, these therapy sessions are performed in a clinical setting, but some RBTs may need to perform these services in a client’s home or school programs. Certain RBTs may even enter into specialties to deal specifically with certain types of behavioral problems.
This is an entry-level healthcare position, so while RBTs are working directly with patients, they will also be under the supervision of behavior analysts. While RBTs work closely with many individuals with autism and are often most known for their work in the autism community, they also provide services to individuals with mental health needs and developmental delays.
What do RBTs do?
RBTs are involved in administering care to those with behavioral challenges. These behavior specialists work in clinical settings under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who has further training and education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
The RBTs will help administer behavior treatment and work with individual clients or small groups of clients. Any individual working as an RBT must be well-versed in some of the most standard requirements of the RBT task list. This includes:
- Measurement
- Assessment
- Skill acquisition
- Behavior reduction
- Documentation and reporting
- Scope of practice and professional conduct
RBTs work together with their supervising ABA professionals to directly deliver this type of therapy to their clients and need to be well-versed in these areas. Some clinics may also have additional requirements for the RBT list.
After becoming a certified RBT, individuals need to maintain professional certification. This includes ongoing supervision, adhering to the ethics of Aba practice, and renewing the certificate (45 days before expiration) every year.
How long does it take to receive an RBT degree in New York?
An individual interested in receiving an RBT degree in New York must complete a 40-hour training course and then pass the RBT exam at the end of their training. Students can do this quickly or spread the training out over time if they have an existing job to do.
Training will be overseen by a qualified BCBA.
This program is both knowledge-based and hands-on and is designed to help improve the application and understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis. In addition to learning about ABA, those going through this training program will also need to learn about administrative work.
The training must be completed before applying for the RBT certification and before sitting for the test. Applicants must complete the initial competency assessment in New York within three months of submitting payment for their RBT certification application. Once the application is approved, students are allowed to sit for the exam.
Before enrolling in this educational program, RBTs must meet certain requirements.
Prerequisites for RBT training in New York
In order to enroll in the Registered Behavior Technician training program in New York, there are several prerequisites that you need to meet, including the following:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Completing a high school diploma or GED.
- Passing a background check.
- Completing the training.
- Completing a competency assessment.
- Passing the RBT exam.
- Maintaining certification with continuing education.
There are many potential RBTs who are worried about the exam. The exam typically has around 75 questions and results are given on-site, so students will know right away if they pass. Students who do not pass the exam the first time will be able to take it again in one week. There is typically an exam appointment fee of $45 and a certification application processing fee of $50.
Once interested individuals with these requirements pass their training certification they can start applying for jobs in behavioral centers and clinics.
How much does an RBT make in New York?
The average salary for an RBT in New York varies depending on experience, training, hours, and the individual behavioral center. The typical average falls between $40,443 and $51,016. These technicians can make as low as $12,024 or as high as $60,665 per year depending.
Many RBTs will work hourly in New York, and their average hourly rate typically comes out to $20.37 per hour. Many individuals will continue to earn more with experience and may consider going back to school to add more certifications to their existing certificates.
How much does RBT training cost in NY?
Many individuals considering a career in RBT often first worry about the cost of this training program. There are free programs available for those interested in becoming one of these technicians, but the average training program costs between $65 and $200. This means it’s more than worth the initial investment cost for the solid income provided.
Behavior analysts are in high demand, meaning becoming an RBT can be a great career choice and one with steady pay and the potential for growth in the future. Plus, it is a career that allows you to truly give back to others.
If you are ready to work with the best ABA therapy provider in New York, give us a call at (732) 402-0297. Our dedicated team is ready to help and we will treat you like family
