This article profiles the 10 best online RBT training programs 2023. All the programs listed come from accredited colleges or universities.
RBTs, or registered behavior technicians, are qualified to work under supervision. They often work with people who have autism spectrum disorder. In addition to those with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), RBTs may work with people who have other behavior needs or issues.
RBT training requirements are determined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The BACB is a nonprofit establishment. It meets professional credentialing needs identified by:
- behavior analysts
- governments
- consumers of behavior analysis services
According to the BACB, students must complete training within a 180-day period. The cumulative duration of instruction time must be at least 40 hours. At least three of these hours of training must be devoted to ethics and professional conduct. Few online RBT training programs exist, especially from accredited universities or colleges. However, we created a list of the 10 best registered behavior technician online training programs. We did this by eviewing the BACB website. We also collected information from NCES College Navigator.
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Ranking Methodology for RBT Training Programs Online
To make this list, we looked at regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities. All of those we looked at offered online RBT training programs. The training programs on this list meet the RBT training requirements. Those requirements are set forth by the BACB. The schools on this list were chosen based on affordability. Tuition was collected from NCES College Navigator. 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. Not every program puts the cost of the RBT training on the website. For this reason, we ranked the accredited institutions according to the affordability of the institution as a whole.
Below is our list of the 10 best online RBT training programs for 2023.
10. University of Kansas
Online RBT Training
Lawrence, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,034
The University of Kansas offers online RBT training. They offer it “through the convenience of 100% online, self-paced curriculum.” The program is offered through one of the top behavior analysis schools in the country. It is designed to equip students with the skills needed to pass the RBT competency assessment and the RBT exam. Once students fulfill certain requirements, they may sit for the RBT exam. This will lead to RBT certification. The training must be completed within a 180-day period. Students will receive a certificate of completion. They can share this with the BACB. 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, the University of Kansas ranks with U.S. News & World Report. It tied for 124th best national university. Additional rankings include #112 in best value schools.
9. University of Oklahoma
RBT Training Online
Norman, Oklahoma
Tuition/Fees: $27,069
- be 18 years of age
- possess a high school diploma or national equivalent
- take the 40-hour training program
- #133 in best national universities
- #167 in best value schools.
8. University of Nebraska
Registered Behavior Technician Online Training
Lincoln, Nebraska
Tuition/Fees: $26,820
RBT program cost: $285
The University of Nebraska’s registered behavioral technician online 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. The University of Nebraska tied for #133 in best national universities and ranks #101 in best value schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.
7. Harcum College
Registered Behavior Technician Online Training
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Tuition/Fees: $26,000
RBT program cost: $820
Harcum College’s online RBT training course isn’t just for those who want to go into a career as a behavior technician. According to the program website, it’s also helpful for the families of those with developmental challenges, as well as case managers, home-health aides, and others. This program is available either online or in-person, and takes place during two seven-week courses. Classes take place on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Requirements include being 18 years old, holding a high school diploma, and passing a background check. Harcum College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This is one of the best accredited online RBT programs.
6. University of Texas
Online RBT Training
San Antonio, Texas
Tuition/Fees: $7,564
RBT program cost: $349
One of the top online RBT training programs on our list is offered by the University of Texas at San Antonio. This five-week training course is comprised of both virtual instructor time and online homework for students to complete on their own time. The program is offered independently of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), although it is based on the RBT Task List. It is designed to meet the 40-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 & World Report. In fact, the University of Texas ranks #298-#389 in best national universities.
5. University of West Florida
Online Registered Behavioral Technician
Pensacola, Florida
Tuition/Fees: $19,241
The online registered behavioral technician training program at the University of West Florida allows students to earn their degree while working in the field of behavioral health. Through the university’s applied behavior analysis program, students may enroll in classes that meet the requirements of becoming a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). The online course options are open to both degree and non-degree students. The course sequence of the University of West Florida’s RBT training program meets the requirements for the RBT exam. According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of West Florida ties for #36 in best regional universities in the South.
4. University of South Florida
Online Registered Behavioral Technician
Tampa, Florida
Tuition/Fees: $17,324
One of the top online RBT programs on our list is offered by the University of South Florida. This unique training program is based on the RBT 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 12 modules, each containing a narrated presentation and a 10-question quiz following each module. The University of South Florida is accredited and ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the 103rd top national institution. The school also received recognition as the 71st best value university in 2021.
3. Truman State University
Online Registered Behavior Technician Training
Kirksville, Missouri
Tuition/Fees: $15,659
RBT program cost: $1,128
Here is an affordable online registered behavior technician RBT training program from Truman State University. The program is taught in a “pass/fail” manner. The website points out that simply going through the program does not make someone an RBT. Students become RBTs by taking the BCBA RBT exam. This program promises to prepare students for the RBT exam. Truman State University provides a “Testing Machine” service online so that students do not have to locate their own supervisor to be able to take the test. This applied behavior analysis program can give credit towards a degree. Truman State ranks seventh in best regional universities in the West with U.S. News & World Report.
2. Triton College
RBT Training Online
River Grove, Illinois
Tuition/Fees: $13,530
RBT program cost: $512
Triton College offers this online registered behavior technician training program. Although the tuition for this university is as listed above, the RBT program itself costs only $512, in addition to the cost of textbooks. In order to be admitted to this applied behavior analysis program, students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and complete a background check. Some careers that are open to graduates of this registered behavior technician RBT program include hospital administrators and staff, nursing supervisors or special needs staff, home health aides, and case managers, among other options. The program meets the educational requirements for the RBT credential, and it is one of the best accredited online RBT programs available.
1. Moorpark College
RBT Training Online
Moorpark, California
Tuition/Fees: $7,398
Moorpark College offers an affordable option for those who are looking for online registered behavior technician training programs. The program’s website states simply that this is a good RBT program “for anyone interested in learning about behavior.” The program may be completed through online training, though there is also an option for in-person learning. Examples of classes offered are behavior measurement, in-session troubleshooting, documenting and reporting, and skill acquisition. This complete RBT training program allows students to work toward the RBT credential, as students in the program complete all required training modules. Moorpark College offers the most affordable online RBT program on our list.
Related Resources:
- 20 Best Online ABA Master’s Degree Programs
- What is a Registered Behavioral Technician?
- 10 Best ABA PhD Degree Programs
- 10 Best Online ABA Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 10 Best ABA Master’s Degree Programs
- 20 Most Affordable Online ABA Graduate Certificate Programs
ABA Staff
April 2023