How To Become an RBT in Florida 🍊
One thing about kids...They are never out to get you like adults. 🫠and as a mom being a RBT has great FLEXIBILITY.
So many of you have asked me about what I do and how to get started in the Behavior Technician field.
It warms my heart because I've been in this amazing field for six years now as an RBT, and even before that, I had a background working in mental health at Florida State Hospital.
I can tell you from experience, if you're feeling that pull to do meaningful work and help beautiful kiddos and their families, becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a fantastic, hands-on path.
🍊The Down-to-Earth Steps to Becoming an RBT🍊
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Ready to Go!
Before you start the paperwork, you just need a couple of basics checked off:
🍊You need to be 18 years old. (Check!)
🍊You need your High School Diploma or a GED.
🍊You’ll need to pass a background check. This is a standard part of working with kids and vulnerable folks, especially in healthcare and education settings. It usually needs to be completed within 180 days of your RBT application
.
💙Step 2: Get Your 40 Hours of Training 📚
This is the main learning part. You need to complete an official 40-hour training course.
🩷Where to find it? You can find these online through different providers (look up "40-hour RBT training BACB").
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Some great ABA companies in Florida that are hiring will actually pay for your training if you commit to working for them! This is a great way to save some money and secure a job right off the bat. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
* Timing: You have to complete the 40 hours in no less than five days, and you must finish it within 180 days (about 6 months) of starting.
Step 3: Show What You Know (The Competency Assessment) 💪
Once you finish your training, you have to prove that you can actually do the job, not just talk about it.
* You'll meet with a certified supervisor—this will be a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst).
* Pro-Tip: If you get hired by a company before you're fully certified, they will provide a BCBA to complete this step with you. It’s much easier than finding one on your own!
Step 4: Take the RBT Exam (The Finish Line!)
* After the BCBA signs off on your skills, you officially submit your application (and pay a fee) to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
* They’ll give you the green light to register for the final exam.
🩷Why I Love This For Fellow Moms🩷
Honestly, being an RBT uses a lot of the skills we already have as mothers: patience, observation, consistency, and a big, open heart. Plus, the schedules can sometimes be flexible, which is a huge bonus when you're managing school pickups and all the rest of our beautiful chaos!
If this sounds like your next chapter, start by simply searching for "RBT job Florida" or "RBT training online." You've got this!
Let me know if you want me to find some local companies in Florida that are currently hiring and offering that free training! 💖
Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Florida is a rewarding career choice, especially for those who have a passion for working with children and making a positive impact in their lives. The process is structured but manageable, with four key steps designed to ensure competence and professionalism in the field. The 40-hour RBT training is crucial—it covers applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques and prepares you for hands-on work. Many online providers offer this training, making it accessible no matter where you are in Florida. Some ABA companies even cover the cost if you commit to employment with them afterward, which can be a great way to start without financial burden. The competency assessment with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is your opportunity to demonstrate practical skills. It's an interactive evaluation that ensures you can apply what you've learned. If already employed, your company typically arranges for the BCBA to oversee this step. After passing the assessment and submitting your application to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the final hurdle is the RBT exam. Preparing for it requires review of the training materials and practical experience, but passing it officially certifies you as an RBT. One of the unique benefits of becoming an RBT, particularly for moms, is the flexibility. The role often allows adaptable scheduling, making it easier to balance work with family responsibilities such as school pickups and home duties. Skills like patience, observation, and consistency—traits many moms develop naturally—are vital in this profession. For anyone interested in starting this journey, searching for "RBT job Florida" or "40-hour RBT training BACB" online will provide a variety of resources and openings. Local companies hiring RBTs often offer free or subsidized training, so don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire. Overall, becoming an RBT is not just a job; it’s a chance to engage in meaningful work that helps children with behavioral challenges and supports their families. If you are drawn to a career that combines personal fulfillment with flexibility, this path is worth considering. Remember to keep your background check clear, meet the age and education requirements, and dedicate time to training and exam preparation. Your efforts will open doors to a meaningful and flexible career in Florida.
This post has me considering a career change! Thanks for breaking down the steps so clearly.