Registered Behavioral Technician in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification program is an 18-credit academic program designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). RBTs are paraprofessionals who provide direct behavior-analytic services under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or qualified professionals, supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental or behavioral needs.

This program provides students with a strong foundation in core ABA principles, including behavior identification, data collection, skill acquisition, and behavior reduction strategies, while emphasizing hands-on application through the implementation of individualized treatment plans across home, school, and community settings.

Coursework aligns with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements and highlights ethical practice, professionalism, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Students also develop competencies in session preparation, accurate data recording, and effective communication with supervisors.

Graduates are prepared to pursue the RBT credential, upon completion of all BACB requirements, and to seek employment in behavioral health.

Program learning objectives.

• Apply foundational principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support behavior change in individuals with autism and related developmental or behavioral needs.
• Accurately collect, record, and summarize behavioral data using a variety of measurement methods in accordance with established protocols.
• Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) under supervision, including skill acquisition and behavior reduction strategies.
• Use reinforcement and prompting techniques effectively to increase desired behaviors and support skill development.
• Assist in the development of communication, social, and daily living skills through structured and naturalistic teaching strategies.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in accordance with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) RBT Ethics Code.
• Collaborate effectively with supervisors and interdisciplinary team members, including following direction and providing accurate session feedback.
• Prepare and organize materials for therapy sessions to support consistent and effective service delivery.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with organizational, legal, and funding (e.g., Medicaid) requirements.
• Respond appropriately to challenging behaviors using evidence-based and safety-focused intervention strategies.

To be considered for admission into a degree or professional certificate program, students must be a high school graduate or have received a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), Pennsylvania Home School Diploma or other recognized equivalency diploma. High School Students applying with an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher may be considered for regular admission. Students applying with a GPA below a 2.0 in high school or from another college or university, if accepted, will be admitted conditionally. Please submit an application for admission and a copy of high school and/or college transcript(s). Some applicants may be required to attend a personal interview with the Admissions Office.

An admission essay may be deemed optional for all applicants whose GPA meets or exceeds the minimum for acceptance into the desired program. For certificates and degrees in the Schools of Humanities and Business, the minimum GPA for acceptance is 2.0. For most Health Sciences certificates and degrees, unless otherwise specified, the minimum GPA is 2.2.

Courses are offered at a variety of times Monday through Friday. Online classes are also available. Typical courses run for an 11-week term. The College operates on a year-round schedule of quarterly, 11-week terms enabling students to complete their degrees faster, if they choose to go full-time each term.

This program has Fall start. Upcoming start dates: October 11, 2027.

Tuition and fees. Undergraduate tuition is $525 per credit for all majors. A Student/Technology Fee of $510 per term (5 or more credits) or $315 (4 or fewer credits) is required. A one-time $150 graduation fee applies.

Books and other expenses. Variable expenses per term (estimates): textbooks $350–$450; course material fees approximately $50–$150 per course; personal $150–$250; transportation $150–$300. Uniforms (where required) are estimated at $100–$150.

Housing and meals. Campus housing per term: individual private bedroom $2,205, standard apartment bedroom $1,505, super suite bedroom $1,595, utilities $330. Meal plans per term range from $550 (Block 75) to $1,125 (14 Meal Plan); a $250 housing security deposit is required.

Financial aid. The catalog does not state whether this certificate is an eligible program for federal financial aid; contact the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@centralpenn.edu, 1-800-759-2727). To receive financial aid a student must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program and be enrolled on at least a half-time basis (4 credits). Central Penn’s FAFSA school code is 004890.

Payment options. Tuition and expenses are paid each term approximately three weeks before the term starts. Central Penn has a short-term three-month payment plan through CASHNet that divides the balance of the tuition owed by three payments; there is a $35 non-refundable application fee paid with the first payment. An Employer Reimbursement Tuition Agreement Plan lets students who receive tuition reimbursement from their employer defer payment until the specified dates.

Military benefits. Military benefits accepted include the Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapters 30 and 1606), Veterans Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31), the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and Yellow Ribbon Program, Dependents’ Education Assistance (Chapter 35) and Tuition Assistance.

Net price calculator. Use Central Penn’s Net Price Calculator at https://npc.collegeboard.org/app/centralpenn for an early estimate of your total annual cost.

Careers you can pursue. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

College-wide outcome. 89.2% of Central Penn graduates were employed in their chosen field or continuing their education within one year of graduation (graduates July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025; One-Year Graduate Follow-up Report published July 1, 2026).