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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.
Explore our openings

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 (National Average is 47%)

12-16

months to to be BCBA-ready
(average tenure of our students 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.

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

When you start 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.

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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.

We also have one-on-one study sessions for when you need more help or find a topic challenging.

 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 program 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 Organizations

BCBA exam pass rate

90% of exam takers pass on their first try

Not tracked 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.

We are set up to provide supervision on the intensive track which allows you to cut down on total number of hours required by the BACB.
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: 20% 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.

North Shore Pediatric Therapy provides compassionate, neuroaffirming care for children and families. Our expert team offers autism testing, ABA therapy, speech, occupational, and physical therapy. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with families to help every child grow, learn, and thrive.

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North Shore Pediatric Therapy is an ACE Provider with the BACB
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