Essential Readings
Becoming an RBT requires completing a 40-hour training program designed to cover the BACB approved task list. This training must be based on the RBT Task List. To learn about what this course is designed to cover, read the RBT Task List.
After completing the training, you will also be obliged to undergo a competency assessment if you wish to become certified. Read the Competency Assessment document to learn about what this entails.
Read the below transcript of a Q&A session between a BCBA and a group of RBTs:
BCBA: Good morning, everyone. Welcome to our workshop on the role of the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in our service delivery system. I’m your BCBA, and today we’ll dive into the important responsibilities and expectations for RBTs in our team. Let’s start by discussing the primary responsibilities of an RBT.
RBT Student 1: Thank you for having us. Can you clarify what the RBT’s primary responsibilities are?
BCBA: Of course. The RBT’s main responsibility is the direct implementation of treatment plans developed by their supervisor, which is typically a BCBA or a BCaBA. This means you’ll be working closely with our clients to put our intervention plans into action.
RBT Student 2: How much involvement do RBTs have in designing the intervention or assessment plans?
BCBA: Great question. RBTs do not design intervention or assessment plans. That’s generally the responsibility of your designated RBT supervisor, like me. I’ll determine which tasks you can perform based on your training, experience, and competence. Of course, when you’re experienced enough, you’ll be assisting with the design and delivery of interventions and the assessments, but the ultimate responsibility for designing interventions and conducting assessments lies with me.
RBT Student 3: Could you give us some examples of the tasks we might be responsible for?
BCBA: Certainly. RBTs play a crucial role in data collection, measurement, and recording procedures. You’ll also assist with student assessment procedures, which could include curriculum-based development, social skills assessment, and functional assessment procedures. You’ll implement various teaching procedures, such as discrete trial training, naturalistic teaching, and more.
RBT Student 1: What about behavioral reduction interventions? Are we involved in that?
BCBA: Yes, you’ll be responsible for implementing behavioral reduction interventions as well. This includes procedures like differential reinforcement and extinction. You’ll also be tasked with accurate documentation and reporting, along with effective communication with your supervisor.
RBT Student 2: How do we handle crisis situations?
BCBA: In cases of crisis, you’ll need to manage student behavior using de-escalation techniques and positive handing techniques if necessary to protect your client and those around them. You’ll receive additional de-escalation and positive handling if you?re working with a client who requires those supports. Your ability to respond effectively to crisis situations is crucial.
RBT Student 3: You mentioned using software and adaptive equipment. Can you elaborate on that?
BCBA: Certainly. As RBTs, you must be willing to learn new software tools and use adaptive equipment as needed to support our clients. This might include technology that aids communication or assists with specific tasks based on the individual needs of the clients.
BCBA: Any other questions?
RBT Student 1: What does the tiered service delivery model involve?
BCBA: There are two possible team structures: a model, where a BCBA oversees a team of RBTs, or the BCBA/BCaBA model, where a BCBA is supported by a BCaBA, and together they oversee a team of RBTs.
RBT Student 2: What’s the rationale behind this tiered model?
BCBA: The tiered service delivery model allows us to leverage the expertise of BCABAs and RBTs to achieve significant improvements for our clients. It’s also a cost-effective way to provide the right level of expertise to each client.
Optional Videos
This 5-minute video discusses the role of the RBT within ABA Service Delivery models. It will be useful in helping you to understand the rationale for the tiered service delivery model.
This optional video talks you through all of the practical steps involved in applying to become an RBT. This includes the process of filling out various forms etc.
The following video describes a typical day in the life of an RBT. If you’re already working in an RBT role, this video will probably be quite familiar, but if you’re new to the role, this might give you a good sense of what a typical day can involve.
Conversation Exercise
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