A registered behavior technician or an RBT are professionals who work in the field of behavior analysis therapy. These people like to help others around them make positive changes in their lives. Registered behavior technicians work with people who have disorders like autism. They also deal with clients with other developmental and behavioral disorders. Therapy has been one of the most effective methods of treatment for people with such conditions.
RBTs help people with ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapies. Registered behavior technicians either work with a single client at a time or treat multiple clients together. They help autistic patients by teaching them better ways to approach and manage their maladaptive behavior, communication skill, socializing skill, and understanding and managing their emotions.
The primary responsibilities of an RBT include:
- Administering medication
- Helping autistic patients through counseling
- Communicating with your patients
- Helping and aiding your patients with eating, socializing, and other daily activities.
In order to be a registered behavior technician, you need to complete specialization training that is approved by the BAC Board (Behavior Analyst Certification Board). You must also pass BAC Board’s certification test to be called a registered behavior technician. Once you have passed the certification test, you can start your journey as a registered behavior technician. Although to maintain your certification, you need to renew it every year, and you will be good to practice.
ELIGIBILITY TO BECOME A REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN:
- Be 18 years old or above.
- You have completed high school.
- Go through and complete 40-hour training.
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Complete an initial competency assessment.
- Pass a background check.
After you have all these pre-requisites in place, you can go for the RBT certification course. You are required to complete the competency assessment within ninety days of paying the fees for the RBT certification application. If you work with an organization that already offers ABA therapy, the in-house trainers can train you for professional certification. A lot of universities also provide 40-hour training programs. These courses can also be online, which you can finish at your own pace.
A GUIDE TO TAKING THE RBT EXAM
The 40-hour long training provides you with all the information you need to understand how RBTs work and use ABA therapy to treat clients. You will need your high school degree or college degree and the certification proof that you have completed your initial training. You can find tips and practice questions in the RBT Handbook. It can help you a lot in your preparation and help you understand the right way to answer the MCQs. At the end of the test, you will receive a pass or fail report card. Your digital certificate will be mailed to you electronically within a week of passing the exam. This certificate will contain the date you need to renew your certification before.
HOW DOES AN RBT ACTUALLY HELP AUTISTIC PATIENTS:
An RBT works directly with autistic clients and guides them in every way possible. As there are three levels of autism severity, registered behavior technicians choose a particular group to work in, where they specialize. They need to have specific skills and experience to work with any of the groups.
A registered behavior technician not only provides treatment but also works with the client on a one-to-one basis. It is to ensure that the technician understands and measures the change in behavior and success. It also helps make any required adjustments to the course of treatment.
SALARY OF REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIANS
The average salary of registered behavior technicians in India is about INR 2.4-3 lacs per annum.
