The Practice/Tool
Ivy Tech Community College has forged a strategic alliance with Engaging Minds Autism Services and Hope Behavioral Services to significantly enhance the training and availability of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). This collaborative effort is designed to expedite the diagnostic process and treatment planning for families navigating autism spectrum disorder. The core of this initiative lies in augmenting the standard RBT training, which traditionally relies heavily on online modules, by incorporating a robust in-person component.
The modified curriculum now includes 40 hours of in-person classroom instruction, a departure from the predominantly online format. This hands-on approach is intended to foster a deeper connection between students and the material, thereby improving knowledge retention and practical application. The pilot program, launched at Ivy Tech’s Kokomo campus in 2025, serves a multi-county region including Cass, Miami, Fulton, Howard, Pulaski, and Tipton counties. Students in this program attend classes three days a week during one week, and two days a week the following week, dedicating the remaining days to clinical site experiences where they apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. This structure allows students to bring practical questions and observations back to their instructors, creating a dynamic feedback loop that enriches their learning.
Key Benefits
The primary advantage of this blended learning model is the enhanced preparedness of future RBTs. Allison Lyons, Chief Clinical Officer at Engaging Minds, emphasized that this hands-on training ensures RBTs gain a more profound understanding of foundational ABA concepts. This deeper comprehension enables them to apply these principles more broadly and to differentiate treatment approaches effectively, tailoring interventions to the unique needs of each client. Such individualized treatment is crucial for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which provides one-on-one support to children with autism, focusing on skill development and the reduction of challenging behaviors.
The demand for RBTs is exceptionally high, driven by the increasing prevalence of autism and the growing number of children requiring behavioral and developmental support. Lyons highlighted the significant challenge families face, noting that waitlists for both autism diagnostics and ABA services often extend for months. This partnership directly addresses this critical shortage by producing more highly skilled RBTs, thereby improving access to essential services. The pilot program has demonstrated considerable success, boasting six cohorts and an impressive nearly 85 percent completion rate, underscoring the effectiveness of this innovative training methodology.
Practical Applications
The success of the pilot program, which received support from an Our Kids First Grant through United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties, has paved the way for ambitious expansion plans. The goal is to extend this model to additional partners and Ivy Tech campuses, significantly broadening its reach and impact. A key area of expansion involves forging partnerships with local school districts. Ivy Tech is already collaborating with Kokomo Schools and has engaged with special education directors from multiple area districts to explore how RBT training can benefit their staff and, consequently, their students.
This expansion into educational settings represents a significant opportunity to integrate ABA principles more seamlessly into school environments, providing much-needed support directly where children spend a substantial portion of their day. Bonnie Devers, Program Manager for Ivy+ Career Link, underscored the importance of this service for families and expressed a strong desire for continued growth and increased partnerships. For BCBAs and clinic owners, this initiative signals a promising development in workforce development, potentially leading to a larger pool of well-trained RBTs. It also offers a model for other community colleges and ABA providers to consider when developing robust, practical training programs that meet the evolving needs of the field and the families it serves.
Fast Facts
| Key Point | Why It Matters for ABA |
|---|---|
| Ivy Tech partners with ABA providers | Creates a pipeline for highly trained RBTs, addressing workforce shortages. |
| 40 hours of in-person RBT training | Enhances practical skill application and concept retention beyond online modules. |
| Nearly 85% pilot program completion rate | Demonstrates the effectiveness and viability of the blended learning model for RBT certification. |
Expert Perspective
This innovative partnership model is crucial for bridging the gap between the high demand for ABA services and the availability of well-prepared Registered Behavior Technicians.
Source: pharostribune.com
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