Become a Registered Behavior
Technician (RBT) in West Virginia
Build a Career. Join a Community. Change Kids’ Lives.
West Virginia needs more professionals trained to support individuals with autism—and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are a critical part of the solution.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a paraprofessional, or someone passionate about working with children and families, becoming an RBT opens the door to a rewarding, impactful career in behavioral health.
What is an RBT?
A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a certified paraprofessional who works directly with individuals—most often children with autism—to help them build everyday skills and navigate the world around them.
RBTs are part of the broader field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—a leading approach for children and adults on the autism spectrum based on respect, compassion, and well-established scientific principles.
Why Choose a Career as an RBT?
West Virginia families are facing a crisis in access to autism care—you can be part of the solution. Choosing to become an RBT means:
Meaningful work helping children and families thrive
Quick entry and real pay with certification in under 6 months
Flexible schedules for many RBT positions
Career growth toward becoming a BCBA or other healthcare provider
“You are teaching them skills that make their lives easier in every setting. You are the one that helps them to say what they want or to even know what they want, and how to express that. You get them there. And that is so fulfilling.” –Current RBT, WV
Why West Virginia Needs You
Autism affects more than 10,000 children in West Virginia—but only about 4% currently receive ABA services. There is an urgent shortage of front-line providers like RBTs, especially in rural and underserved communities.
How to Become an RBT in West Virginia
Getting certified as an RBT is a clear, accessible pathway for anyone 18+ with a high school diploma or GED. Here’s how:
- Complete 40 hours of RBT training
Choose an online or in-person program that meets BACB® requirements. Training covers ethics, behavior management, data collection, and more. - Pass a background check
Required for working with vulnerable populations. - Complete an RBT Competency Assessment
A BCBA or BCaBA will evaluate your skills through role-play and interview scenarios. - Pass the RBT exam
This proctored exam demonstrates your understanding of core ABA principles. - Get working!
Many West Virginia clinics, schools, and providers are looking for new RBTs—especially in underserved areas.
Start Your RBT Journey Today
The Mountaineer Autism Project is working to build the ABA workforce across all eight regions of West Virginia. We partner with clinics, colleges, and training providers to help you find:
- Approved RBT training programs
- Mentorship from certified BCBAs
- Job opportunities with autism providers across the state
These regional ABA Centers may be hiring!
Compassionate ABA
215 N. 11th Street
Weirton, WV 26062
304-479-6628
Key Learning Autism Center Team
3000 City View Drive
Morgantown, WV 26501
304-241-8401
Mountainside ABA
1107 S Davis Ave
Elkins, WV 26241
304-801-3258
The Developmental Advantage, LLC
888 Oakwood Road, Suite 300
Charleston, WV 25314
681-265-0999
Elevate Learning & Behavior
253 B South Church Street
Ripley, WV 25271
304-613-7051
West Moreland Clinic
4614 Waverly RD
Huntington, WV 25704
304-429-3287
Scott Depot Clinic
33 Erskine Lane, Suite B & C
Scott Depot, WV 25560
681-235-7000
Bridgeport Clinic
106 Cambridge Place
Bridgeport, WV 26330
304-848-8147
More About ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a leading approach for children and adults on the autism spectrum. ABA is based on respect, compassion, and well-established scientific principles—and it helps people achieve goals and learn skills that are important to them.
Autistic kids and adults participate in ABA services to learn a range of life changing skills how to communicate, eat nutritious foods, cross the street safely, or care for themselves.
Masters-level therapists design individual plans for each client, and RBT’s meet one-on-one regularly to follow the treatment plan with activities they have outlined.
Decades of research show that ABA services provided by trained professionals, are the most successful approach to learning skills and achieving goals for many autistic adults, children, and their families.
In West Virginia, where autism rates are rising and access to services is low, ABA can be life-changing, especially for people with the most significant needs.