The Milestones Program Removes the Biggest Financial Barrier to Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
The average master’s degree required for BCBA certification costs $30,000-$50,000. For many RBTs and aspiring BCBAs, that financial barrier makes certification feel out of reach — even when they have the passion and capability to become exceptional behavior analysts.
The Milestones program changes that. We cover 50% of your BCBA coursework tuition. Not a loan. Not a reimbursement after you finish. Actual tuition coverage while you’re in school.
This program exists because we believe exceptional clinicians are developed, not just hired.
From enrollment to certification — here’s exactly how the program supports you.
You enroll in a master’s degree program (or post-master’s certificate program) from a BACB-approved university. We have partnerships with multiple universities offering online, hybrid, and in-person programs.
Once you’re enrolled and accepted into the Milestones program, we cover 50% of your tuition costs directly.
You continue working as an RBT (or in another role with us) while completing your degree. We build your work schedule to accommodate your classes.
Many Milestones participants complete their degree in 2-3 years while working with us.
To become a BCBA, you need supervised experience hours (minimum 1,500-2,000 hours depending on your program track). We provide these hours with supervision from our senior BCBAs.
This isn’t an additional cost. Supervision is part of your job responsibilities and compensated as regular work time.
Once you’ve completed your degree, accumulated supervised hours, and passed the BCBA certification exam — you transition into a BCBA role with us.
What 50% tuition coverage actually means for your finances.
Total program cost: $35,000
Spread over 2.5 years: ~$583/month out of pocket While earning: $18-$24/hour as RBT = $2,880-$3,840/month gross income
Upon completion:
Total program cost: $48,000
Spread over 3 years: ~$667/month out of pocket While earning: $18-$24/hour as RBT working 30-35 hours/week
Upon completion:
Without Milestones
$40,000
Self-funded or loans
$40,000+ with interest
With Milestones
$20,000 (your half)
Covered by employer
$0 (if paid as you go)
The difference: Milestones participants graduate with half the debt (or no debt if paying as they go) and transition directly into a BCBA role with us.
Who qualifies for Milestones and how to apply.
To qualify for the Milestones program, you must:
✓ Be currently employed with Children’s Specialized ABA (or receive a job offer)
✓ Enroll in (or be accepted to) a BACB-approved ABA master’s program or post-master’s certificate program
✓ Commit to employment through program completion and minimum 2 years post-certification
✓ Maintain good standing — satisfactory job performance, adherence to ethical standards, completion of coursework milestones
✓ Apply to and be accepted into the Milestones program through internal application process
Step 1: Confirm eligibility with your supervisor or HR
Step 2: Research and apply to BACB-approved master’s programs
Step 3: Once accepted to a university program, submit Milestones application including:
Step 4: Milestones committee reviews application (typically 2-3 weeks)
Step 5: If approved, tuition coverage begins with your first semester
What we ask of you:
What happens if circumstances change:
We want you to succeed. The commitment structure ensures we’re investing in clinicians who are invested in growing with us.
This program isn’t just about recruiting. It’s about developing the clinical workforce autism families deserve.
There’s a national shortage of Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Demand for autism services far exceeds the supply of qualified BCBAs — which means:
The solution isn’t just hiring more BCBAs. It’s developing them.
Better clinical outcomes: BCBAs who’ve worked as RBTs first bring practical experience that makes them stronger clinicians. You understand what it’s like to implement programs, work with challenging behaviors, and build relationships with families.
Stronger organizational culture: When we promote from within, we build a team that shares values, understands our approach, and is invested in our mission.
Retention and stability: BCBAs who’ve been with us through their educational journey tend to stay longer, provide more consistent care to families, and contribute to team continuity.
We grow our own leaders. Many Milestones graduates eventually become Senior BCBAs and Clinical Directors.
Take the first step toward BCBA certification with 50% of your tuition covered.
Yes, with a contingent job offer. If you’re applying for RBT or other positions and are interested in Milestones, mention it during your interview. Once hired, you can apply to the program.
Yes. Many Milestones participants complete fully online programs while working full-time. We have partnerships with several online universities offering BACB-approved ABA programs.
You can still apply for Milestones for remaining coursework. If you’ve completed 1 year of a 3-year program, we can cover 50% of your final 2 years.
Most Milestones participants work 30-40 hours per week depending on their course load. We build flexible schedules to accommodate classes, study time, and practicum requirements.
Many participants work full-time during light semesters and reduce to 30-35 hours during heavy coursework periods.
You can retake the exam. We provide continued support, study resources, and mentorship to help you prepare for your next attempt. Your employment and Milestones benefits continue while you’re working toward certification.
Life happens. If you need to pause your education for medical, family, or personal reasons, we work with you on a case-by-case basis. Your employment isn’t automatically terminated if you need to take a semester off.
No hard cap. We accept as many qualified applicants as we can support effectively with supervision and mentorship. If you meet eligibility requirements and are accepted, there’s a spot for you.
