FAQs: RBT Behavior Technician Specialist Online Certification Training
An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) behavior specialist is a paraprofessional who works under the supervision of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) in various settings such as clinics, schools, or homes. They implement behavior intervention plans designed to manage and alleviate problematic behaviors in individuals, particularly those with developmental disabilities like autism. The role primarily involves applying scientific principles of behavior analysis to help patients learn new skills and improve their daily living and social interactions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a six percent growth in Behavioral Health Technician positions from 2016 to 2026. As psychological issues persist across populations, there remains a consistent need for behavioral technicians to address these challenges.
The average starting salary for behavior specialists is $29,000. Specialty positions, such as Daycare Supervisors, can earn up to $76,000. Salaries can vary based on location, experience and the specific setting in which they work.
To become a Behavior Technician Specialist, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and formal training through an institution such as MedCerts. Then, you can become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) by taking and passing the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) authorized RBT Certification exam.
In the online Behavior Technician Specialist training program, you will learn:
How to reduce/avoid behaviors while understanding the motivational operations behind their behaviors
Applied behavior analysis and functional behavior assessment tools
How to teach children and adults language/communication, social skills, daily living/adaptive skills, pre-academic skills and more while recording and analyzing data along with the BCBA
How to comprehend and define behavior clearly and set a measurement technique
To enroll in the Behavior Technician Specialist program, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, a web browser with internet connection and course registration & payment.
The cost of the program is $2,700. The cost includes all of your materials and certification exam fees for the RBT certification exam.
MedCerts offers various payment options, including monthly payments as low as $217 or the option to utilize government grant funding.
While MedCerts does not offer financial aid, students may be eligible for options through government grant-funded programs like:
The total duration of MedCerts’ Behavior Technician Specialist program is 12 weeks long if completing 15-20 hrs of coursework per week.
MedCerts’ certification programs are fully online and designed for remote learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace. The instructional design incorporates interactive elements, simulations and expert instruction.
Required courses for the Behavior Technician Specialist program include Professionalism in Allied Health, Registered Behavior Technician Training and Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology.
MedCerts includes exam fees and preparation materials in the program cost. The Behavior Technician Specialist courses are designed to prepare students to take and pass the RBT certification exam. Additionally, MedCerts students are provided access to a Student Success Advisor team, Subject Matter Experts and Career Coaches to assist with exam prep.
The Behavior Technician Specialist program includes expert-led video training, eBooks and competency assessments. MedCerts-covered materials also include the cost of the national certification exam. Students get access to additional services like dedicated advisors and tailored support as well.
Some MedCerts programs are restricted in certain states or regions. Please review our State Restriction page to view what restrictions there may be in your state/region or residence of employment and ensure you are eligible for enrollment.
We’re not institutionally accredited as a training provider, but the certification you’ll earn in this program is accredited through the exam-issuing authority, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. So while our school itself doesn’t hold accreditation, you’ll earn an accredited certification upon passing your national exam.
In order to become a fully certified Registered Behavior Technician, the BACB requires completion of a 40-hour training and passing a Competency Assessment on the job before being eligible to take the RBT exam. Securing a clinical site is the responsibility of the student and MedCerts does not guarantee clinical site placement. However, the MedCerts Career Services team is available to provide students with resources to use in their clinical search and to develop a clinical search strategy.
