#United States #Farmington Hills #Elevate Program #Centria Autism #BCBAs

Centria Autism's Groundbreaking Elevate Program

Centria Autism, a prominent name in therapeutic services for children with autism, has recently unveiled its Elevate program, a pioneering full-time practicum designed for aspiring Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). This initiative is a response to the escalating demand for qualified BCBAs, which surged by over 57% between 2023 and 2024, exacerbating an already critical shortage.

The Need for Change

The traditional approach to becoming a BCBA often involves extensive unpaid fieldwork, which can be inconsistent and lacks structure. Many aspiring analysts find themselves in a frustrating cycle of hunting for hours of supervision, which not only burdens their financial situation but also detracts from their educational experience. Timothy Yeager, Chief Clinical Officer at Centria, articulated this issue, stating, "The Elevate program changes the narrative. We provide structured, compensated opportunities that empower candidates to focus on quality care rather than just fulfilling requirements."

What Elevate Offers

The Elevate program is crafted to transform the training landscape for future BCBAs. Here are some of its standout features:

• - Full-time Employment: Participants are hired as full-time employees, receiving benefits including paid time off and health insurance.
• - Earn While You Learn: All hours spent in supervision, whether delivering therapy or shadowing, are compensated, ensuring that trainees are financially supported throughout their development.
• - Structured Growth Framework: With a three-stage process—Emerge, Empower, Ascend—participants navigate through defined goals with adequate guidance and mentorship.
• - Tuition Reimbursement: Upon completion of the Elevate program and subsequent employment as a BCBA at Centria, candidates receive financial bonuses towards tuition or student loans.
• - Personalized Mentorship: Small cohort sizes allow for individualized attention, ensuring that clinical skills are developed in a supportive environment.

A Successful Launch Event

To celebrate the introduction of Elevate, Centria hosted a kick-off event titled “Elevate Connect: Empowering the Supervisor-Supervisee Experience” on June 27, 2025. Held in Scottsdale, Arizona, the event attracted 135 attendees, including upcoming behavior analysts and industry experts, creating a dynamic space for learning and networking. Presenters such as Tim Fuller and keynote speaker Cas Breaux from the University of West Florida shared insights on advancing the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Commitment to Quality Care

Tim Fuller, Director of Practicum and Research at Centria, expressed pride in the program’s development, highlighting its role in nurturing capable clinicians. He emphasized, “Elevate isn’t merely about ticking boxes; we are equipping candidates with the confidence and competence necessary to serve as leaders in the field, shaping the future of compassionate care.”

As Elevate rolls out in select states, it represents a significant leap toward meeting the pressing demands of the ABA sector. Interested individuals can explore further practicum opportunities on Centria's dedicated webpage.

About Centria Autism

Based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Centria Autism stands at the forefront of delivering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with autism and their families. Committed to advancing ABA science and providing exceptional client care, Centria utilizes a holistic approach tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients, promoting individual dignity and fostering growth.

For complete details about the Elevate program, visit centriahealthcare.com/elevate.