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What Comes After RBT? 4 Career Paths to Explore

Earning your Registered Behavior Technician certification is a massive accomplishment and the beginning of a rewarding career. But for many ambitious professionals, it's also a starting point. If you're already asking, "What comes after RBT?," you're thinking about your long-term professional growth.

Your RBT credential and hands-on experience open up several exciting career paths, both within and outside of Applied Behavior Analysis. Here are four common and rewarding pathways to consider for your future.

Pathway 1: Become a Senior or Lead RBT

Not everyone wants to go back to school for an advanced degree, and that's perfectly fine! You can have a long and impactful career as an RBT. By demonstrating exceptional skill, reliability, and leadership, you can advance to a Senior or Lead RBT position.

  • What it involves: In addition to your regular duties, you might be responsible for training new RBTs, assisting with material preparation, or taking on more complex client cases under the BCBA's guidance.
  • Best for: Experienced RBTs who love the hands-on work and want to take on more responsibility without pursuing a new credential.

Pathway 2: The Journey to BCaBA

If you have a bachelor's degree (or plan to get one) and want to take on more analytical and supervisory responsibilities, becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) is a logical next step.

  • What it involves: Completing specific undergraduate coursework in behavior analysis, accumulating supervised fieldwork hours, and passing the BCaBA certification exam.
  • Best for: Individuals with a bachelor's degree who want to supervise RBTs and assist with assessments but may not be ready to commit to a master's program.

Pathway 3: The Ultimate Goal of BCBA

For many RBTs, the ultimate career goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This is the highest level of certification in the field, granting you the autonomy to conduct assessments, design treatment plans, and supervise other professionals.

  • What it involves: Earning a master's degree in ABA or a related field from an accredited university, completing a rigorous period of supervised fieldwork (often 1500-2000 hours), and passing the BCBA certification exam. Your time as an RBT provides an invaluable foundation for this journey.
  • Best for: RBTs who are passionate about the science of ABA and want to lead, design, and take full responsibility for therapeutic programs.

Pathway 4: Applying Your Skills in Other Fields

The skills you learn as an RBT are highly transferable. The ability to understand behavior, teach skills systematically, and respond calmly under pressure is valued in many related professions.

  • What it involves: Using your RBT experience as a powerful asset while pursuing careers in fields like Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, or social work.
  • Best for: Individuals who discover a passion for a related discipline but want to leverage their unique behavioral expertise. Your RBT background will make you a stronger, more effective professional in any of these roles.

Confused about the different roles? Clarify the credentials with our guide: What is the Difference Between an RBT, a BCaBA, and a BCBA?