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BCBA Fellowship Program:
Your path to BCBA starts here

From your very first day as a Behavior Therapist to stepping confidently into your role as a BCBA, our Fellowship Program gives you the structure, mentorship, and hands-on experience to grow at every stage.

Think of it as a guided journey — building skills, earning hours, and gaining real-world readiness — so that when you become a BCBA, you’re not just prepared, you’re ahead.
Enroll in Blossom Prep

33

team members moved from Fellowship student to BCBA (and counting!)

100%

BCBA Exam Pass Rate with Task List 6 and 90% pass rate for Task List 5

8

months to BCBA-ready
(average tenure of our LACC before moving into a BCBA role)

From Behavior Therapist to BCBA

Every career has a beginning, but not every path shows you what’s possible. From your very first day as a Behavior Therapist to stepping into leadership as a BCBA, we’ve built a journey that helps you grow, shine, and make an impact at every stage.

1. Behavior Therapist / Registered Behavior Technician

Every great clinician starts with play.

  • RBT Certified in 45 Days. Build professional credibility and confidence right from the start.
  • Senior RBT at 1 Year. Recognized for your growth, consistency, and commitment.
  • 90% Direct Care. Spend your days building connections, practicing core skills, and laying the foundation for your future as a BCBA.

2. Assistant Clinical Coordinator (ACC)

This is where you begin to stretch into leadership.‍

  • 50/50 balance. Half your time in direct therapy, half in unrestricted activities that count toward your fieldwork.
  • Real-world experience. Help onboard and train new hires, shadow BCBAs, and put your coursework into practice.
  • Next-level growth. Learn how your studies connect to the bigger picture while preparing for your BCBA.
  • Guided by mentorship. Dedicated support ensures you’re never navigating the process alone.

3. Lead Assistant Clinical Coordinator

Here’s where you begin to imagine yourself as a BCBA.‍

  • At 1,000 accrued hours, you step out of direct therapy and into full preparation.
  • Hands-on leadership. Run intakes, guide parent trainings, assist with discharges, and practice BCBA-level responsibilities.
  • Built-in exam prep. Join a structured 12-week study group, access BDS modules, and sharpen your skills with peers.
  • Enhanced supervision. Receive weekly guidance that goes beyond BACB minimums to strengthen your readiness.
  • Confidence to thrive. When it’s time for the exam, you won’t just be prepared to pass — you’ll be ready to succeed as a BCBA.

‍

4. Congratulations! You're a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

When you arrive as a BCBA, you’re already ahead.‍

Most new BCBAs need a year of catch-up to feel steady. Our Fellowship Program changes that.

You’ll walk in with the readiness and poise of someone who’s been in the role for a year. You’ll shape programs, lead sessions, and guide outcomes with confidence — all while continuing to receive mentorship and support.

It’s the point where your training becomes independence, and your career takes full shape.

‍

What makes our BCBA Fellowship Program different?

Becoming a BCBA is more than checking boxes or chasing hours — it’s about growing into a confident clinician who can change lives. Too often, students are left on their own to piece together supervision, prep for the exam, and somehow feel “ready” on day one. Our Fellowship was built to change that.

By the time you sit for the exam, you’re not just prepared to pass — you’re prepared to thrive. You’ll step into your BCBA role with confidence, supported by a community that believes in your growth and your future.

90%+ Exam Pass Rate (on the first try!)

Our fellows are prepared to succeed. With structured study groups, dedicated prep materials, and mentorship, our students consistently outperform the national average on the BCBA exam.

Mentorship That Matters

You’ll be paired with experienced BCBAs and clinical leaders who guide you through supervision, treatment planning, and real-world decision-making — so you’re never on your own.

 Hours with intention

No more “chasing hours.” From day one, you’ll earn restricted and unrestricted hours through structured activities like onboarding, training, and case support. Every task is purposeful.

Step Into Leadership Early

As an Assistant Clinical Coordinator and Lead Assistant Clinical Coordinator, you’ll gain leadership experience before you’re certified — from onboarding new hires to shaping treatment plans — so that by the time you pass the exam, you’re already functioning like a BCBA.
“Our BCBA Fellowship Program is one of the most impactful things we do for future BCBAs. It bridges the gap between student and clinician in a way that sets people up for long-term success. We've intentionally structured it so our students aren’t just earning hours — they’re learning how to lead, problem-solve, and think like a BCBA from the very beginning. By the time they sit for the exam, they’re not only ready to pass, they’re ready to step into the role with confidence.”
— Ryan Emry, BCBA
Regional Director and BCBA Fellowship Program Leader

Hear From Our Team

Discover the passion, dedication, and spirit that fuel our work and create a meaningful impact every day. Welcome to our centers, where celebrating kids' milestones and supporting staff growth go hand in hand with delivering exceptional care.

Journey of Growth & Development

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Celebrating Every Milestone

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Our Unique Culture

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How Our Fellow Program Creates Future BCBAs

Not all fellowship programs are created equal. Many students are left chasing hours, studying alone, or stepping into their BCBA role without enough preparation. Our PRISM pathway was built to change that. With enhanced supervision, structured study support, paid indirect hours, and even tuition partnerships, we’ve designed every step to set you up for success — and to make sure you feel ready, confident, and supported from your first day as a BT
 

BCBA Fellowship Student at NSPT

Other programs

BCBA exam pass rate

90% of exam takers pass on their first try

Not tracker or reported (but we're very proud of our rate!)

Supervision
Weekly, enhanced supervision above BACB minimums, including fieldwork built into your paid time with us.
Meets minimum BACB requirements; students often chase supervision opportunities.
Skill development
Hands-on practice in intakes, discharges, parent training, and supervision — true BCBA prep.
Focuses primarily on direct therapy until after exam.
Study support
Structured 12-week study group (1.5 hrs/wk) with your cohort, BDS modules, and dedicated mentorship from your Clinical Director and our support team.
Students prepare on their own or rely on informal peer groups.
Paid Indirect Hours
As an Assistant Clinical Coordinator, 50% of your time will be direct. When you move to Lead Assistant Clinical Coordinator, you will have no direct therapy requirement.

Compensated at billable rate for indirect hours, including fieldwork requirements.
Indirect/unrestricted hours often unpaid or at reduced rate.
University partnerships
We have the following tuition partnerships to help make univeristy more affordable for all team members: 

Chicago School of Professional Psychology: 80% tuition discount and application fee waiver.  

National Louis University: 10% tuition discount.  

FIT Online ABA Program: 10% tuition discount (including Texas).
No formal tuition discounts or partnerships.

Interested in our BCBA Fellowship Program?

Take the first step toward a career that grows with you. From your first day as a Behavior Therapist to becoming a confident BCBA, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Testimonials

Success looks different for every child... But we bet we have a story that matches your child's needs. Like James, who started with us as non-speaking and lacking the ability to initiate and maintain social interactions. Today, he can speak complete sentences, clearly state his needs, and navigate social interactions with his friends!

Our infant daughter was in physical therapy with Anna Zahn for about five months.  Anna was consistent, patient, and wonderful with our daughter.  Anna was also clear in her communications with us as parents which helped us understand our daughter's progress and needs, as well as how we could help our daughter at home.  While we are proud that our daughter graduated PT, we will miss Anna's warmth and kindness.

Emily

I love this place! Chista is an amazing person, so sweet and kind and very professional in her work. All staff are very kind with children. I feel happy to find this place for my daughter. Thank you!!!

Maria Di Rita

I cannot say enough nice things about the staff! My son worked with Khadija as his ABA therapist and is finishing up this week with his OT, Sabrina. They were really instrumental in helping us navigate a new diagnosis. Both were so easy to approach with questions. From Leeann at the front desk to the RBTs (Alex, Rabbia, Molly, and many others), we always felt so welcomed. It seems like the staff genuinely enjoy their jobs, consistently offering feedback and suggestions on how to help my son.

Jennifer Peyer

We have been working with the amazing team at NSPT for many years. They have been essential in understanding and supporting our child. I recommend their services to anyone looking for their specific type of support.Posted to

Monica Terése Carranza

They are so sweet and kinds persons with professionalism and really worried about the kids and how help they to get new skills and moving forward with knowledge.

Alejandra M.

NSPT is fantastic! All of the staff are wonderful, accomodating, and make you feel welcome and comfortable. Alan is fantastic - he has helped our family tremendously and has such patience and purpose in everything he does.

Alex Ehrhardt

North Shore Pediatric Therapy has been amazing.  They have done a great job adjusting to the specific needs of my autistic child.

Matt Nakanishi

My 12 yr old son has a lovely support team in Robert (Social Work) and Lindsay (OT)! He gains so much from his sessions & I gain so much from the communication and brainstorming! Thanks!

Jennie Meyer

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