We all want the highest quality care for our children. That means finding the best-trained and most educated providers available. When it comes to ABA therapy, finding qualified professionals can be challenging. Many ABA companies hire individuals with minimal training, offering only a few days of instruction before calling them therapists. At The Helm, we take a different approach, ensuring all our therapists become Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) within 60 days of being hired. So what is an RBT, how does a therapist become one, and why does The Helm ensure our therapists achieve this certification before continuing with the company?
What is an RBT?
A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a therapist certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the same organization that certifies BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts). This certification ensures they are well-trained in essential areas such as measurement, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation and reporting, and professional conduct. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality therapy.
Additionally, RBTs must receive ongoing supervision, adhere to a strict code of ethics, and renew their certification annually.
How Does a Therapist Become an RBT?
To become an RBT, a therapist must meet the following criteria:
– Be at least 18 years old
– Have completed high school-level education or equivalent
– Pass a criminal background check and an abuse registry check
– Complete 40 hours of qualified training
– Successfully complete an RBT initial competency assessment
– Pass the RBT exam
The first three criteria are straightforward, but what about the training and competency assessment?
Training
While the BACB requires 40 hours of training, at The Helm, we require 80 hours. Over a 2 week period, our new hires spend 40 hours in the “classroom” learning all the ins and outs of ABA, and an additional 40 hours training on the floor aided, overseen, and logged by a
certified trainer, typically a lead therapist or BCBA intern. This combination of theoretical and hands-on learning is essential for providing quality therapy.
Competency Assessment
Once the training is complete, the prospective RBTs undergoes a competency assessment. While some companies create their own skills test, The Helm uses the competency exam created by the BACB to ensure the highest level or rigor. According to the BACB, this assessment can be conducted with a client or through role-play. At The Helm, we require our therapists to complete this assessment with a client, as this is the most effective way to test their skills. During the session, a BCBA ensures the therapist is applying all the skills learned during the 80-hour training. After passing this assessment, the therapist must take and pass the RBT exam to demonstrate their knowledge and practical abilities.
Why Does The Helm Require Passing the RBT Exam Within 60 Days of Hiring?
Unfortunately, many therapists in the field are underqualified. At The Helm, we strive to provide the best therapy possible for all our clients. This means ensuring our therapists are exceptionally well-trained and knowledgeable. If a therapist cannot meet the rigorous requirements to become an RBT, they do not meet The Helm’s standards.
Hiring RBTs
If one of our new hires is already an RBT, they are still required to complete 40 hours of training. We want to ensure that each and every therapist does things the right way, The Helm way. This 40 hours gives us a chance to assess the RBTs skill level and correct any bad habits before sending them out to work one-on-one with our kiddos.
Ongoing Training
Our commitment to quality doesn’t stop with certification. After becoming an RBT, therapists at The Helm receive ongoing weekly one-on-one training sessions and participate in group learning sessions several times a month. This continuous education ensures our therapists maintain and exceed industry standards, providing the highest level of care for our clients.
By insisting on these rigorous standards, The Helm ensures that our therapists are not only qualified but exceptional, providing the best possible outcomes for the children and families we serve.
Have more questions about becoming an RBT or receiving ABA therapy? Send us an email at info@thehelmaba.com!