Key Takeaways

• RBTs have career advancement opportunities, with pathways to becoming a BCaBA or BCBA. You can get started today with an online 40-hour RBT training!
• The RBT role is an experience stepping stone into other related fields like education, psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, and more.
• Enjoy flexibility and variety in your work hours and settings. RBTs often work in dynamic environments and are not always tied to one location.

Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is more than just a job—it’s a gateway to meaningful work and future career opportunities. Whether you’re looking to make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities or explore broader career paths, working as an RBT offers incredible benefits.

A Launchpad for Growth

The RBT role can lead to advanced careers in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Many RBTs go on to become Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) or Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). These roles offer increased responsibility, leadership opportunities, and even higher earning potential. Keep in mind also, that BCBAs can work in all sorts of career areas such as public policy, sustainability, wellness, and others. Check out our career options blog for more info about where the behavior analyst certification could take you!

Beyond the ABA field, your experience as an RBT can be a stepping stone into other professions. The skills you develop—such as communication, teaching others, and data collection—are highly valued in fields like psychology, academic education, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, adaptive physical education, and more. If you’re still figuring out your long-term goals, starting as an RBT provides hands-on experience that can help you decide where your passion lies. It can also expose you to work experiences and other professions that you may not have known about before!

Work Flexibility and Variety

One of the most appealing aspects of being an RBT is the flexibility it offers. RBTs often have the option to work part-time or full-time, making it easier to balance other life commitments, such as school or family. The times of day that you work can be flexible too. Some RBTs need to do other things during the weekdays, so they enjoy working evening or weekend hours. The opposite is also true for other RBTs. Some of them like to keep their weeknights and weekends free. These folks can work during the day with other clients who might be younger or need assistance in school settings. This flexibility extends beyond hours—you’ll also enjoy working in a variety of settings.

Unlike most office, retail, hospitality, or food industry jobs, many RBTs don’t work in the same place all day. You might go to schools, clients’ homes, community centers, or even outdoor spaces during your workweek. Behavior University’s founders have had the opportunity to work, supervise, and consult in many different settings during their clinical careers. These roles have led to all sorts of interesting ABA work sites, such as:

The list goes on; RBT work sites are only limited by the imagination! Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, keeping the job dynamic and engaging. If you thrive on jobsite variety and enjoy helping others, this career could be a perfect fit. If you want to know more about an RBT’s job tasks, check out our in-depth article about the RBT’s role in service delivery.

How to Get Started

Starting your journey is achievable with the right training. If you’re ready, you can begin today! Our 40-hour RBT training program provides the foundational skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role. From understanding ABA principles to learning how to support clients effectively, this training prepares you for meaningful work and opens doors to a rewarding career. Maybe you’re looking into the registered behavior technician certification process too? The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) website has a great video on how to become an RBT. We recommend downloading the BACB’s RBT handbook. It has everything you need to know for the whole process: from acquiring certification to requirements of maintaining it.

Becoming an RBT isn’t just a job—it’s a step toward a fulfilling career where you can grow, learn, and make a difference. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to start on the ABA path, the RBT role offers the flexibility, variety, and growth potential to help you achieve your goals.