Teaching RBTs to Think Clinically: Training In-the-Moment Decision Making

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are frequently placed in situations that require rapid, in-the-moment clinical decisions, yet many training systems are not intentionally designed to integrate procedural fidelity with real-time clinical reasoning. This CEU is designed for BCBAs who want to move beyond checklist-based training and intentionally teach RBTs how to think during sessions. Attendees will learn practical strategies for training RBTs to analyze behavior in real time, respond flexibly to unexpected learner behavior, and make decisions that remain aligned with treatment goals, data, and ethical standards. The presentation will cover how to operationalize “clinical thinking” for RBTs, embed decision-making practice into supervision, and systematically shape higher-level reasoning skills without drifting into scope-of-practice violations.

1. 1Identify common clinical decision points RBTs encounter during sessions and why traditional training often fails to prepare them for these moments. Describe at least three strategies for teaching and reinforcing in-the-moment decision making during supervision and training. Apply a structured framework for coaching RBTs to analyze behavior and adjust implementation while remaining within their scope of practice.