Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is exciting—but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with its fair share of stress. Whether you’re just starting out or are already knee-deep in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm (which is completely normal!)
From managing your time effectively to mastering complex concepts, the road can be bumpy. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’re sharing our best tips below to help you make your journey to becoming an RBT more manageable.
Managing Your Time
Managing your time is one of the biggest challenges people face during RBT training. That’s why we recommend getting out your pen and paper (or investing in a project management software) and planning your week ahead of time. Pencil in dedicated study times and focus on prioritizing your tasks. Start with what you absolutely need to get done first, then break things down from there.
Don’t forget to set boundaries as well. Find a healthy balance between work, training, and your personal life (which you shouldn’t have to give up to become an RBT!). Apps and tools designed for task management, such as Asana and Trello, will help you stay productive and organized. By putting a little more effort into your schedule, you can better manage your time and take those stress levels down a notch.
Beating the Stress
Speaking of stress, like any training, RBT training can be overwhelming! Try incorporating mindfulness exercises into your days, even if it’s just a few minutes before each module you complete. And don’t forget to celebrate! Break your training into different milestones and celebrate small victories.
Though not always fun, a healthy diet, sleep schedule, and regular exercise are going to help you here, too. Develop healthy habits (while still treating yourself every so often) to stay focused. And remember, you’re not in this on your own—reach out to friends, family, or even professional counselors if you need a little emotional support along the way.
Mastering ABA Concepts
ABA concepts can be tough to learn in the beginning, so start slow. Focus on one concept at a time and make sure you understand it before moving on. Using visual aids can be incredibly helpful, such as diagrams, flowcharts, and mnemonic devices.
Study groups can make a big difference as well. Talk to other ABA pros about studying together, and don’t hesitate to look for a mentor or supervisor who can guide you through the process. They might even provide you with extra resources to make studying easier.
Enhancing Your Skills
Once you start learning, you’ll find you have so many new skills to put into practice. If you want to improve them, try simulating real-life situations with your fellow ABA pros to build your confidence. You can also observe experienced RBTs and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and watch them in action.
Use online tools and simulations to practice in a controlled environment, too. The more you apply yourself, the more you’ll learn and be able to hone your skills!
Staying Motivated
Motivation isn’t always consistent. It ebbs and flows, regardless of the profession you’re in. To stay motivated throughout your RBT training, try to remember the positive impact you’ll make in the lives of neurodivergent individuals. Look for support from other students in your program and regularly look at how far you’ve come.
No, training isn’t a walk in the park, but when you take your time, lean on your loved ones, and tap into your passion for helping others, you’re sure to make it through feeling good!
Try Our RBT Training
Want to try a certified RBT training for free? You can pop into our first module by signing up here! You’ll get an inside look into what RBT training consists of from a cost-effective program that’s built to fit your busy schedule. Give it a try, and send us a message if you have any follow-up questions!
