In recent years, the demand for Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)—specialists trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—has skyrocketed. ABA, a therapeutic approach that has proven to be effective in treating autism and other developmental disorders, requires skilled BCBAs to design and supervise treatment plans. With the field expanding rapidly, this has created a critical shortage of BCBAs, making it more difficult to meet the growing demand for services. In fact, in 2023, job listings for BCBAs exceeded the total number of practicing clinicians, further exacerbating the issue.
To help alleviate the situation, Helping Hands Family, an ABA provider with a strong presence in several states, has developed an intensive Applied Behavior Analysis Fellowship program designed to train and develop the next generation of BCBAs. This innovative program aims to build a pipeline of well-prepared clinicians to address the national shortage, ensure high-quality care for children with autism, and offer a sustainable solution to a workforce gap that has plagued the industry.
The BCBA Shortage: A Growing Crisis in the ABA Field
Jessica McGlone, director of training and education at Helping Hands Family, highlights a critical issue within the field of ABA: the uneven distribution of newly certified versus experienced BCBAs. “The ratio of newly certified to experienced BCBAs is very uneven,” McGlone says. “While it’s great that our field is growing, there is such a wide variation in the level of supervision and experience that some of our newly hired BCBAs were coming to us with.” This shortage of experienced professionals and lack of adequate supervision can leave newly certified BCBAs underprepared for the complexities of their roles.
ABA therapy is a highly specialized field, and effective treatment depends on highly trained professionals to design, monitor, and adapt intervention plans. Without sufficient numbers of experienced BCBAs, therapy providers are unable to meet the demands for services, leading to waitlists and delays in care, which ultimately hinders progress for children who rely on ABA therapy.
Recognizing the growing need for skilled BCBAs, Helping Hands Family took proactive steps to address the issue. The company developed a structured Applied Behavior Analysis Fellowship program that not only focuses on developing clinical skills but also aims to create long-term career growth opportunities for clinicians. This is a strategic initiative designed to combat workforce shortages while providing high-quality, evidence-based care.
The Fellowship Program: Building the Next Generation of BCBAs
Helping Hands Family’s Applied Behavior Analysis Fellowship program is a comprehensive and highly structured training initiative designed to develop future leaders in the field of ABA. The program lasts approximately 18 months, though some fellows may take longer to complete the process. The structure of the fellowship is built around hands-on training and mentorship from experienced BCBAs, making it an immersive learning experience.
The first phase of the fellowship is focused on ensuring that fellows are well-prepared in their role as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). RBTs are critical members of the ABA team, as they are the ones who directly implement the behavior intervention plans designed by BCBAs. The RBT phase ensures that fellows gain the necessary foundational skills, while also learning how to engage with children and families in a meaningful way.
As fellows transition into the next phase of the program, they are paired with one or two experienced BCBAs, where they begin working directly on designing, implementing, and overseeing treatment plans. This immersive phase is designed to ensure that fellows receive not only the required supervision hours for certification but also the in-depth experience necessary to become confident and capable clinicians. This hands-on mentorship is crucial for building clinical expertise and preparing fellows to manage complex cases effectively.
An exciting change coming in 2025 is the shift from individual fellow intake to a cohort-based model. Under this new model, fellows will start together, fostering a sense of peer support and collaboration. The cohort model will allow fellows to learn from one another, share experiences, and grow together as a group. This collaborative environment can be invaluable in building professional relationships and enhancing the learning experience.
Financial and Educational Support
One of the key aspects of the fellowship program at Helping Hands Family is the level of support offered to fellows. The company covers all RBT certification costs for participants, which can be a significant barrier to entry for many aspiring clinicians. In addition, fellows receive a $100 annual stipend for continuing education, as well as study materials to help them succeed in their training. This financial support is part of Helping Hands Family’s commitment to ensuring that all fellows have the resources they need to succeed and grow in their careers.
The Applied Behavior Analysis Fellowship program is open to RBT-level staff employed by Helping Hands Family who are also enrolled in an approved ABA master’s program. The company ensures that all its new hires are fully equipped to succeed by putting them through a “rigorous boot camp,” which includes shadowing experienced staff and undergoing competency-based training. New hires are expected to complete their RBT certification within 90 days, ensuring they are ready to enter the fellowship program with a solid foundation.
Creating a Sustainable Pipeline of Skilled BCBAs
One of the central goals of the Applied Behavior Analysis Fellowship program is to create a sustainable pipeline of well-trained BCBAs who are prepared to meet the growing demand for ABA services. McGlone emphasizes the importance of filling BCBA spots to reduce waitlists and provide services to children more quickly and effectively. “If we have those BCBA spots filled, we can pull kids off wait lists and provide services sooner, more thoroughly, and more effectively,” McGlone explains. “That’s a huge return on investment for us.”
Fellowship programs are an important tool in addressing the national BCBA shortage, which is a critical challenge in the ABA field. With the demand for ABA therapy growing, it is more important than ever to ensure a steady supply of qualified clinicians. By training and developing BCBAs in-house, Helping Hands Family is contributing to a long-term solution that not only meets the immediate staffing needs of the company but also ensures that the ABA field has a steady stream of skilled professionals for years to come.
The fellowship program also encourages long-term retention. Upon completion of the program, fellows are required to remain employed with Helping Hands Family for at least 18 months, provided there is an open position. This commitment helps the company maintain a stable workforce, ensuring that trained BCBAs are available to support children and families.
Thus far, the program has been a success. Of the 33 fellows who have completed the program, 20 are currently practicing as BCBAs at Helping Hands Family, while five more are set to start practicing within the next few weeks. This retention rate demonstrates the effectiveness of the program not just in addressing the clinician shortage, but in fostering a strong and loyal workforce that is committed to providing high-quality care.
The Broader Impact on the ABA Industry
Helping Hands Family’s Applied Behavior Analysis Fellowship program is part of a growing trend among ABA providers to develop in-house training programs aimed at addressing the BCBA shortage. For example, Hopebridge, an ABA provider based in Indianapolis, offers its own fellowship program to train BCBAs, and recently opened it up to non-employees. However, McGlone believes that what sets Helping Hands Family’s program apart is its adaptability and constant evolution. The program is built and continuously updated based on feedback from RBTs and fellows, ensuring that it meets the real-world needs of both clinicians and clients.
As the ABA field continues to grow and gain recognition as a healthcare specialty, the need for quality training programs becomes even more critical. McGlone emphasizes that, “In our industry and autism therapy right now, we’re at a pretty pivotal place where we are really regarded as a healthcare specialty and discipline. There’s a lot of responsibility that goes into maintaining a certain level of quality and expectation from the field and the clinicians.” Fellowship programs like the one at Helping Hands Family contribute to maintaining clinical standards and ensuring that the next generation of BCBAs is equipped to meet the challenges of this important field.
Looking Toward the Future
The BCBA shortage is a challenge that will continue to impact the ABA field for the foreseeable future. However, programs like the Helping Hands Family fellowship are offering valuable solutions to this issue by creating a pipeline of well-trained clinicians who can meet the increasing demand for services. The success of the fellowship program not only highlights the importance of structured training initiatives but also underscores the need for continued innovation in workforce development within the ABA industry.
By investing in the future of BCBAs, Helping Hands Family is not only addressing the immediate need for qualified clinicians but is also contributing to the long-term success of ABA therapy. As more children with autism and other developmental disabilities gain access to the services they need, the positive impact of these programs will be felt for years to come.
