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Centria Autism's Groundbreaking Efforts to Tackle the BCBA Shortage

Centria Autism, a prominent provider of therapeutic services for children with autism, is making significant progress in addressing the nationwide shortage of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). With the demand for qualified BCBAs skyrocketing over the past decade—specifically a staggering 57% increase from 2023 to 2024—the organization recognizes the urgent need for innovative solutions to close this gap.

In July 2025, Centria Autism launched the Elevate practicum program, a full-time paid experience designed to nurture aspiring BCBAs. This initiative has already shown remarkable results, with 177 participants enrolled, which is more than double the number seen in previous practicums. Elevate not only provides a structured learning environment but also compensates participants for all supervised hours, allowing them to earn both restricted and unrestricted hours necessary for licensure.

The three-stage model implemented within the Elevate program includes personalized mentorship, giving participants tailored guidance in small groups. Furthermore, upon successful transition into a BCBA role at Centria, participants benefit from tuition or student loan reimbursement, motivating them to excel in their educational journeys.

One notable participant, Robert Carter from Indiana, shared his personal motivation for entering the field. He expressed, "My biggest motivation is simple: ABA changed my son's life, and now I want to do that for other families. Watching my son thrive in full-time ABA therapy was lifesaving and completely transformative for us. The Elevate program is the perfect fit because it gives me a clear, structured path to become a BCBA, which is the ultimate goal." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the Elevate program, as it aims to develop clinicians who are deeply passionate about making impactful contributions to families' lives.

In addition to Elevate, Centria has also formed a pioneering partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) as of August 2025. This collaboration is remarkable as it introduces a fully sponsored master’s degree cohort tailored specifically for Centria team members who aspire to become BCBAs. All participants in this master’s program are concurrently enrolled in the Elevate initiative, providing them with a robust framework for both education and practical experience.

By the end of 2025, 31 Centria team members gained acceptance into UNR’s clinical apprenticeship program and are set to begin classes in the second semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. Commenting on the progress, Dr. Tim Fuller, Director of Practicum and Research at Centria, remarked, "These next steps in the UNR partnership mark meaningful progress in developing the next generation of behavior analysis professionals. Through this program, Clinical Apprentices will receive advanced training in the science and practice of behavior analysis at one of the field's most respected academic institutions, thus paving their way to becoming future leaders in ABA therapy."

Centria Autism remains focused on its mission to deliver high-quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, emphasizing the importance of developing a skilled workforce to serve children with autism and their families. The organization operates from its headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and is committed to advancing the science of ABA through individualized treatment approaches.

In summary, Centria Autism’s initiatives such as the Elevate program and the partnership with UNR represent a significant step forward in addressing the critical shortage of BCBAs across the country. These groundbreaking efforts not only support aspiring clinicians in their professional journeys but also ensure that families receive the impactful therapy they need. For more information about Centria Autism and its offerings, visit their website at Centria Healthcare.