In this article, we profile the 10 best online RBT (Registered Behavioral Technician) training programs from accredited colleges and universities for 2021.
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. According to the BACB, training must be completed within a 180-day period. 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. 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 after reviewing the BACB website and collecting information from NCES College Navigator.
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Ranking Methodology for RBT Training Programs Online
For the purpose of this list, we looked at regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities that offered online RBT training programs. 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 chosen based on 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 not every program puts the cost of the RBT training on the website, 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 2021.
10. University of Kansas
Online Registered Behavior Technician Training
Lawrence, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $28,034
The University of Kansas offers online RBT training “through the convenience of 100% online, self-paced curriculum,” according to the program website. 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 certain 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, the University of Kansas ranks with U.S. News & World Report as having 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
The University of Oklahoma offers an online registered behavioral technician training program that can be completed entirely online. With ongoing supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), graduates may work as RBTs. To be eligible to take the RBT exam, students must be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or national equivalent, and take the 40-hour training program. Both the institution and program are accredited. In addition to accreditation, the University of Oklahoma tied for #133 in best national universities and #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 behavior 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 registered behavior technician 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 registered behavior technician online training programs.
6. University of Texas
Online Registered Behavior Technician 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 Registered Behavior Technician 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 Behavior 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 ABA 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 Registered Behavior Technician 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 Behavior 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 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 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 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 examination for RBTs. This program promises to prepare students for that 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 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 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 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 registered behavioral technician 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:
ABA Staff
June 2021
