Metro Tech Introduces New Registered Behavioral Health Technician Program, Partnering with OU Health

As demand for behavioral health professionals continues to rise across Oklahoma, Metro Tech is launching a new Registered Behavioral Health Technician (RBT) program. The first cohort is currently underway, and a free orientation on July 28, 2026, at the Metro Tech Health Careers Center will give prospective students the chance to learn more about the career and course expectations.

RBTs provide one-on-one support to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. As an integral part of the behavioral health workforce, they implement individualized treatment plans that help clients develop communication, social, behavioral, and daily living skills while promoting greater independence.

The 64-hour RBT course at Metro Tech is designed to meet the 2026 Registered Behavior Technician curriculum requirements established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Tuition will be $550 and will include 40 hours of online coursework, 16 hours of in-person instruction led by a certified Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) instructor, and an 8-hour hands-on training day featuring CPR certification, practical skill application, and certification exam preparation.

Additionally, Metro Tech is partnering with the Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Behavioral Health Center to provide students with required clinical training under the supervision of experienced professionals.

"Meeting the growing need for pediatric behavioral health care requires investing in great facilities and the skilled professionals who will deliver that care,” said Jimmy Duncan, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, OU Health Chief Human Resources Officer. “As Oklahoma Children's OU Health prepares to open our new Behavioral Health Center in December 2026, we're proud to partner with Metro Tech to help build a strong pipeline of Registered Behavioral Health Technicians through hands-on education and real-world clinical experience. By investing in the next generation of caregivers, we're creating meaningful career opportunities, strengthening Oklahoma's behavioral health workforce and expanding access to the compassionate, high-quality care that children and families across our state need and deserve."  

According to a 2026 national workforce report from Inseparable, a mental health advocacy group, Oklahoma currently meets just 21% of its mental health workforce needs, creating shortages across mental and behavioral health services. Recognizing the growing demand, Metro Tech developed the program to help build a pipeline of qualified professionals ready to step directly into the role.

"We believe workforce development is about preparing people for meaningful careers while meeting the needs of our community, and right now, that need is greater access to mental and behavioral health services," said Casey Rainbolt, Metro Tech's Economic and Workforce Development Director. “Through our partnership with OU Health, we are creating a career pathway that combines quality instruction with hands-on learning, so students are ready to make a difference from day one.”

Registration for the July 28 orientation and additional information are available at www.metrotech.edu/RBT. 

Oklahoma Children’s OU Health 

Oklahoma Children’s OU Health is anchored by the state’s only comprehensive, freestanding children’s hospital and powered by a statewide team of pediatric experts — delivering care through hospital-based services and pediatric clinics located across the Oklahoma City metro area, including the University of Oklahoma Health Campus and communities throughout the state. Proudly serving all 77 counties, we bring breakthroughs to every child and every family. With unshakable optimism and a family-centered approach, our pediatric specialists lead with empathy, innovation and unstoppable drive.

As part of the University of Oklahoma’s academic health system, OU Health, the pediatric specialists at Oklahoma Children’s are at the forefront of medical innovation, conducting groundbreaking research and training future healthcare leaders. Families trust our pediatric expertise, from leading-edge heart surgery to 24/7 emergency care.

We offer the state’s only pediatric Level I Trauma Center, the most comprehensive Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, the region’s sole pediatric heart transplant program, and a dedicated pediatric mental and behavioral health facility coming in 2026.  At Oklahoma Children’s, we provide a family-centered approach to healing, supported by resources like pet therapy, music therapy, and child life specialists.  

Discover more at OklahomaChildrens.org.