RBT vs BCBA: What’s the Difference Between a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?

When it comes to careers in the field of autism therapies, understanding the distinct roles of the professionals involved is crucial. 

Two key positions in this field are registered behavior technicians (RBTs) and board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs). While both play essential roles in delivering effective therapy, they differ significantly in their responsibilities and qualifications. Learn about RBT vs BCBA salaries, roles, and more below.

Understanding the Role of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

The role of an RBT is an entry-level position in the field of autism therapy. RBTs provide direct therapy to people with autism under the supervision of a BCBA. 

To become an RBT, you must complete a 40-hour RBT certification, meaning a training program covering essential topics such as behavior management, data collection, and ethics. You must also pass a competency assessment and undergo a background check. At LEARN, we provide thorough behavior technician training and ongoing support for all BTs and RBTs.

RBTs work with behavior intervention plans, collect data on client progress, and keep clients safe during therapy sessions. They play a vital role in teaching and reinforcing new skills, promoting independence, and reducing behaviors that interfere with growth and learning. RBTs work closely with BCBAs, following their guidance and reporting progress and challenges observed during therapy sessions.

Exploring the Role of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

A BCBA is a highly trained professional who specializes in assessing, designing, and using behavior intervention programs for people on the autism spectrum. 

To become a BCBA, you must hold a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field such as psychology or education. Additionally, you must complete a defined number of supervised fieldwork hours and pass the BCBA certification exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)®.

BCBAs are responsible for conducting assessments to identify the needs and goals of people on the autism spectrum. Based on these assessments, they develop behavior intervention plans tailored to each person’s unique needs. 

BCBAs also provide training and support to other professionals, caregivers, and educators involved in the person’s treatment. BCBAs offer ongoing supervision and oversight to RBTs and other behavior therapy staff, and they make necessary adjustments to optimize outcomes. 

BCBAs collaborate with other professionals, such as speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, school staff, and case managers to provide comprehensive care for people with autism.

Comparative Analysis: BCBA vs RBT

Here are the key differences in terms of educational qualifications, scope of practice, and career opportunities for a BCBA vs RBT:

  1. Educational Qualifications: RBTs need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a 40-hour training program approved by the BACB. In contrast, BCBAs are required to hold a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field, complete supervised experience, and pass a rigorous certification exam.
  2. Scope of Practice: RBTs work under the supervision of a BCBA, focusing on implementing behavior intervention plans and collecting data. BCBAs have a broader scope of practice, including conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and overseeing the implementation of interventions. BCBAs have more autonomy and are authorized to make clinical decisions.
  3. Career Opportunities: RBTs typically provide direct therapy in various settings, such as schools and homes. BCBAs have more diverse career paths, including roles as consultants, supervisors, or private practitioners. RBT vs BCBA salary levels can vary across the country. Because of their advanced education and responsibilities, BCBAs generally earn higher salaries.

Both RBTs and BCBAs play important roles in autism therapy, complementing each other to provide comprehensive support and intervention for individuals with autism. Understanding these RBT vs BCBA roles can help you make informed decisions about your career path in this rewarding field. To learn more about behavior technician jobs and ABA career opportunities available at LEARN, visit our careers page.

The Path of a Behavior Tech Leads to Any Career

If you are looking for a job, the world is your oyster. If you are looking for a job that makes an impact and will cultivate skills to help your career flourish as a professional, consider becoming a Behavior Technician! To learn more about what the role of Behavior Technician is, click here.

LEARN About the ABA Therapy Career Path at LEARN Behavioral

If you’re just starting out as a Behavior Technician or have arrived with experience and are ready to take on more, we have the tools to help you get there. Growth is a journey and we want to support you and your career in whatever direction you decide. With LEARN, you’ll receive the training and experience to build the resilience needed to pave your pathway to excellence.

9 Types of People Who Should Apply for an Entry-Level ABA Job

Looking for an entry-level yet meaningful and growth-oriented job? Like many, you may not know about the growing field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), a therapy based on science—and used to help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn and grow. The entry-level position for ABA is called a behavior technician, and most jobs require no prior experience.

What does a behavior tech do? As a behavior tech, you would work one-on-one with children and young adults with autism to help them build skills and become more independent. You would also be part of a team of clinicians and caregivers working to help individuals achieve unique goals and reach their potential.

Are you a good fit for a job in ABA? Read on to see if you recognize yourself in any of these nine descriptions:

  1. You want to make a difference.

    New behavior technicians are often blown away by the progress their clients make. Nothing is more gratifying than knowing that your work leads to positive change in the lives of kids and families.

  2. You love children.

    Many ABA jobs involve working with children. If you love children and enjoy making them smile and seeing their progress, this might be the job for you. In most ABA jobs, your training is provided at no cost, so loving children is the only requirement.

  3. You like variety at work.

    Work as a behavior technician is never boring. ABA positions may be located in any of number of environments, whether in an individual’s home, workplace, school, or community—or in one of our Learning Centers. For instance, you might work with a child at home to build turn-taking skills by playing a game or practice making requests through imaginary or pretend play. Likewise, you might venture to the grocery store with an older child or young adult to practice selecting food and going through the check-out line. Whatever the case, there is no end to the types of skills you may teach, from imitating words to ordering a meal and making change in a restaurant!

  4. You’re interested in special education, psychology, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.

    You don’t want to start a degree program until you’re positive it’s the field for you.  Working as a behavior tech gives you excellent experience working directly with a population of children you might encounter in any of the above fields. As a bonus, hiring managers in education and other specialty services love to see an ABA background on an applicant’s resume.

  5. You want to change your field or career.

    ABA training is provided on-the-job. In most cases, you don’t need to come in with any special knowledge or training—only a great attitude and a willingness to learn.

  6. You’re a current or former paraprofessional or instructional aide in a school.

    Some people gravitate to education but realize that working in a classroom is not for them. ABA allows you to work with fewer children more closely in a variety of settings, not just a single classroom or school. For this reason, you have more flexibility over your schedule and can often work part-time or full-time.

  7. You’re independent and enjoy a supportive work environment.

    As a behavior technician in an ABA setting, you typically receive written instructions on what to do, plus regular support from your supervisor, a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Most days, however, you also lead teaching sessions on your own, giving you an ideal mix of support and independence.

  8. You want to find meaning in your work.

    There is nothing more fulfilling than supporting a person in gaining independence or helping children find their voice. Behavior technicians do important, meaningful work each and every day, and often experience a strong sense of fulfillment.

  9. You’re curious and enjoy learning—and want a career with growth potential.

    Ongoing learning and problem-solving are essential parts of any ABA career, including a position as a behavior technician. As a behavior tech, you can continue in that capacity or take your career to any number of next levels, starting with a position as a managing behavior technician. From there, with a bachelor’s degree, you could become an assistant behavior analyst—and then work toward your master’s degree, while serving as a clinical fellow. Once you earned a master’s degree, you could become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), and work your way to a managing BCBA or even a clinical director. The sky is the limit.

As more people enter the fast-growing field of ABA, either as a behavior technician for the long-run or as a stepping stone to another professional career, ask yourself whether you fit the bill—and, if so, visit our careers page and search “behavior technician” to apply for a job today. 

Reducing Behavior Technician Burn Out

Melissa Furman, a Clinical Director for Total Spectrum- Michigan West joins us to discuss the importance of staff retention in the field of ABA and to share her recent research that is looking to improve staff satisfaction and reduce turnover. We explore the importance of consistency for families utilizing services as well as the factors leading to burnout in the field. Melissa shared how her recent work is helping both these goals, “Implementing an incentive plan to increase positive descriptive feedback during field supervision creates a happier environment, fuels good work, and provides a space where BT’s want to come to work.”

All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

What’s it like to be a Behavior Technician? – Kennessa W.

Kennessa from San Diego, CA tells us what it’s like being a Behavior Technician for Autism Spectrum Therapies.

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What’s it like to be a Behavior Technician? – Sebastian S. from AST


Sebastian from San Diego, CA tells us what it’s like being a Behavior Technician for Autism Spectrum Therapies.

To learn more and start your career with us visit: https://lrnbvr.com/yt-sebastian

Why is Taking Client Data Important?

ABA is a science. Science relies on data. Data is the foundation for making decisions. Data analysis informs a clinician about progress; when to stop, keep going, or make a change.

Top 5 Reasons to Become a Behavior Tech

Exploring job options? Want to make a difference, but not sure where to start?

Consider a position as a behavior technician in one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare.

If you’re like many people who thrive in a job as a behavior tech, you:

  • want to do something meaningful with your life
  • care about others
  • enjoy helping children and families
  • long for a reliable job with paid training and HUGE growth opportunities

If a career as a behavior tech sounds like the right fit for you, browse our openings, and apply for a job today.

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