In this article, we profile the 10 best online RBT (Registered Behavioral Technician) training programs from accredited colleges and universities for 2020.
RBT training requirements are determined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)–a nonprofit establishment designed to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services. The cumulative duration of instruction time must be at least 40 hours, and at least three of these hours of training must be devoted to ethics and professional conduct. According to the BACB, training must be completed within a 180-day period. Few online RBT training programs exist, especially from accredited universities or colleges. However, we created a list of the 10 best online RBT training programs after reviewing the BACB website and collecting information from NCES College Navigator.
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Simmons University’s Online Master’s in Behavior Analysis
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Ranking Methodology for RBT Training Programs Online
For the purpose of this list, we looked at approximately 25 regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities that offered online RBT training programs. Many of the training programs on this list meet the RBT training requirements set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The schools on this list were selected due to affordability. Tuition was collected from NCES College Navigator, as many students complete the training program alongside an applied behavior analysis (ABA) degree. When the RBT training price was listed on the program’s website, we provided that cost as well. Since our focus was on selecting accredited and affordable programs, we ranked the accredited institutions according to raw affordability and narrowed our search to the top 10 most affordable. We chose programs that cost less than $23,000 per year.
Below is our list of the 10 best online RBT training programs for 2020.
10. Florida Institute of Technology
Online Registered Behavior Technician
Melbourne, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,588
In partnership with ABA Technologies, Inc., Florida Institute of Technology offers online registered behavioral technician training designed to meet RBT credentialing requirements. The program is offered 100% online through a module of self-paced interactive video lectures that may take up to 180 days to complete. Specific focus on the role of the registered behavior technician is seen in all classes. The module covers classes in concepts and principles, data use, responsibility to clients, skill acquisition of the RBT, and verbal behavior. Once the training is complete, students receive their certification within three to five business days from the time the completed survey is submitted. Florida Tech is accredited, and the RBT program is aligned under the supervision of BCBA, BCaBA, and FL-CBA. Also, U.S. News and World Report ranks Florida Tech #202 in best national universities.
9. Brandman University
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Irvine, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,080
Brandman University’s online ABA graduate certificate requires 18 academic credits, six courses, and can be completed entirely online. The fully online program adheres to the Association of Behavior Analysis International verified course sequence and meets eligibility requirements for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Admission to the program requires official transcripts where a bachelor’s degree was acquired. Also, two letters of recommendation and satisfactory undergraduate GPA are required. Courses are delivered online and cover topics such as an introduction to applied behavior analysis, applied behavior analysis ethics, and applied behavior analysis procedures and experimental design. Brandman ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
8. Meredith College
Online Registered Behavior Technician
Raleigh, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,573
Meredith College’s Psychology and Social Work Department offers students progressing through all three levels of the Autism Program eligibility to earn the RBT credential. The RBT is a national paraprofessional credential that demonstrates that the recipient is qualified to implement and carry out behavior analytic services. Courses, which are often offered online, cover topics like conditioning and behavior modification, history and systems in psychology, research methods, and special topics in psychology. Meredith College ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 148th best national liberal arts college in the United States. Also, the school has earned a top 2020 ranking as the 113th best top performer on social mobility.
7. University of Kansas
Online Registered Behavior Technician Certification
Lawrence, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,027
The University of Kansas offers online RBT training through the convenience of 100% online, self-paced curriculum. The program is offered through one of the top behavior analysis schools in the country and is designed to equip students with the skills needed to pass the RBT competency assessment and the RBT exam. Once students fulfill requirements, they may sit for the exam. The training must be completed within a 180-day period. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate of completion to share with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent. The training is based on the BACB RBT task list, although it is offered independently of the BACB. In addition to accreditation, University of Kansas ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 130th best national university. Additional rankings include #116 in best value schools.
6. University of South Florida
Online Registered Behavior Technician
Tampa, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428
One of the top online RBT programs on our list is offered by University of South Florida. This unique training program is based on the Registered Behavior Technician Task List and is designed to meet the 40-hour training requirement for the RBT credential. Independent of the BACB, students are required to be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma, pass a criminal background check, and locate a BCBA to complete the RBT competency assessment. The program consists of 11 modules, each containing a narrated presentation and a ten-question quiz following each module. University of South Florida is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report the 104th top national institution. The school has also received recognition as the 60th best value university in 2020.
5. University of West Florida
Online Registered Behavior Technician
Pensacola, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,062
The online registered behavioral technician training program at University of West Florida allows students to earn their degree while working in the field of behavioral health. Throughout the ABA program, students may enroll in classes that meet requirements to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). The online course options are open to degree and non-degree students. The course sequence of University of West Florida’s RBT training program meets the requirements for the Registered Behavior Technician exam. These courses cover topics such as behavioral assessments and outcomes, foundations in applied behavior analysis, and single case design. According to U.S. News and World Report, University of West Florida ranks #34 in best regional universities in the South.
4. University of Oklahoma
Online Registered Behavior Technician
Norman, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,577
University of Oklahoma offers an online registered behavioral technician training program that consists of 48 hours that can be completed entirely online. With ongoing supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), students undergo training in 180 days or less. To be eligible for the program, students must be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or national equivalent, and pass a 40-hour training program conducted by a BACB certificate. The initial training consists of 47.5 hours and a competency assessment of 0.5 hours. Both the institution and program are accredited. In addition to accreditation, University of Oklahoma ranks #132 in best national universities and #172 in best value schools.
3. University of Nebraska
Online Registered Behavior Training
Lincoln, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,588
University of Nebraska’s online RBT training program consists of 40+ hours of training in required content areas. The areas covered throughout the online program include assessment, behavior reduction, documentation and reporting, measurement, professional conduct and scope of practice, and skill acquisition. Sessions run throughout the year and allow students to jump in at different times. The program is ideal for working students, as online options are available. University of Nebraska ranks #139 in best national universities and #115 in best value schools, according to U.S. News and World Report.
2. University of Texas
Online Registered Behavior Technician
San Antonio, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,564
One of the top online RBT training programs on our list is offered by University of Texas at San Antonio. This five-week training course is comprised of face-to-face instructor time accompanied by online homework for students to complete on their own time. While not a 100% online program, the hybrid option provides flexibility for busy working schedules. The program is offered independently of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) although based on the Registered Behavior Technician Task List. It is designed to meet the 42-hour training required for competency certification for the RBT credential. The school and program are accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, University of Texas ranks #293-#381 in best national universities.
1. Lamour Clinic Community Health Institute
Online ABA Registered Behavior Technician
Randolph, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,000
The Lamour Clinic Community Health Institute offers an affordable option for an online RBT training program. Certification as a registered technician requires direct practice with patients. Students who meet education standards and requirements of the program may obtain their training at Lamour. The program may be completed through online training or hybrid training delivery. Examples of the online training modules include discrete trial teaching, prompting, reinforcers, and teaching complex tasks. This complete RBT training program allows students to work toward the RBT credential, as they complete all required training modules. Lamour offers the most affordable online RBT program on our list.
ABA Staff
January 2020
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