The autism therapy field is evolving rapidly, but one persistent challenge remains: finding and retaining qualified clinicians. Career development in autism therapy has become more crucial than ever, especially as the demand for board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), central to delivering effective applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, continues to rise. In fact, job postings for BCBAs increased 9.2 times in 2023 compared to 2017. This dramatic spike highlights the urgent need for strategic investments in clinician recruitment, mentorship, and career advancement. Hopebridge, a leading Indianapolis-based autism therapy provider, is taking bold action to address this need.
With a deep commitment to career development in autism therapy, Hopebridge has revamped its internal BCBA career pathways and is opening its prestigious fellowship program to individuals outside the organization. These initiatives are designed to strengthen the clinical workforce by offering meaningful support, robust training, and clearly defined opportunities for growth—both for practicing BCBAs and those still on their path to certification.
Reshaping Clinical Careers from the Inside Out
Hopebridge’s updated career pathways mark a significant turning point in how organizations can foster career development in autism therapy. As part of the redesign, the company is expanding its leadership structure to include more than 40 new assistant clinical director and clinical director roles across its 122 clinics in 12 states.
These new roles are designed to give BCBAs more guidance, support, and mentorship within their local clinics. By focusing on peer-led development, Hopebridge ensures that clinicians are never left to navigate complex care scenarios alone. This tiered leadership model supports long-term retention by creating space for BCBAs to grow into leaders without leaving the clinical setting—a vital step in building sustainable career development in autism therapy.
“We’ve always had this kind of innovation at Hopebridge,” said Jana Sarno, chief clinical officer at Hopebridge. “For nearly two decades, we’ve continued to invest in the clinical community and in expanding access to these types of therapies and services.”
Expanding Access to a Proven Fellowship Program
A major highlight of Hopebridge’s initiative is the expansion of its BCBA Fellowship Program. Previously reserved for tenured Hopebridge registered behavior technicians (RBTs), the program is now open to all master’s-level students at any point in their academic careers. This opens the door for a wider range of individuals to benefit from the program’s proven structure, support, and outcomes.
Hopebridge reports that participants in its fellowship program pass the BCBA exam at a rate 20% higher than the national average. In 2023, the pass rate for first-time test takers was only 56%, with repeat test takers passing at a mere 23%. Hopebridge’s superior performance is a testament to the strength of its mentorship, clinical experience, and exam prep process—all designed to support comprehensive career development in autism therapy.
What makes this program particularly attractive is its flexibility and accessibility. Hopebridge does not require participants to pay or to commit to long-term employment with the organization, making it one of the most inclusive opportunities available in the field today.
Introducing the Fieldwork RBT Role
In another major step forward, Hopebridge is launching the fieldwork RBT role—a position specifically designed for individuals in the BCBA certification pipeline. This new role allows aspiring behavior analysts to accumulate the required clinical hours in a real-world setting while receiving expert mentorship and support.
These fieldwork RBTs gain hands-on experience within Hopebridge clinics, where they are guided through essential learning, collaborative study groups, and exam preparation. The hours are provided at no cost to the candidate, removing a common financial barrier and reinforcing Hopebridge’s broader mission of democratizing career development in autism therapy.
“It’s about taking the information that’s learned in a graduate training program and applying it to acquire those fieldwork hours,” Sarno said.
Building a Pipeline to Retain and Empower
Hopebridge’s multifaceted approach addresses several key challenges currently plaguing the autism therapy industry: clinician burnout, inadequate support systems, and a lack of leadership opportunities. With nearly 47% of BCBAs under the age of 35, and 56% of certifications issued in the last five years, the field is filled with early-career professionals who need structured development and mentorship to thrive.
Hopebridge is not only filling this gap but actively redefining what career development in autism therapy looks like. The company has shown that when organizations invest deeply in their clinical teams, they don’t just reduce turnover—they create a culture of growth and excellence. Indeed, Hopebridge notes that those who complete its fellowship program and become certified internally are retained at higher rates than externally hired BCBAs.
A Model for the Industry
By focusing on accessible training, leadership expansion, and personalized clinical mentorship, Hopebridge is offering a model that other autism therapy providers can emulate. The company’s investment in career development in autism therapy is strategic, compassionate, and forward-thinking—exactly what the field needs to meet the growing demand for high-quality ABA services.
As the industry continues to struggle with workforce shortages and retention, it’s clear that systemic changes are needed. Hopebridge’s initiatives go beyond surface-level fixes. They provide a long-term solution rooted in professional growth, community, and sustainable support for the clinicians who are essential to autism care.
Final Thoughts
The path to becoming a BCBA is rigorous, and maintaining longevity in the field requires more than just a certification—it requires guidance, opportunities, and support. Through its revamped career pathways, expanded fellowship program, and innovative fieldwork role, Hopebridge is building a more inclusive and resilient clinical workforce.
By prioritizing career development in autism therapy at every stage—from graduate students to seasoned professionals—Hopebridge is making a lasting impact not just on the lives of its clinicians, but on the countless children and families who depend on high-quality autism services.
