February is Career and Technical Education Month. CTE Month is when we recognize the industry professionals who prepare learners for real careers. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) industry plays a crucial role in our economy and helps AAH meet employer demand nationwide through industry-recognized credentials.
The value of CTE is especially clear in allied health, where we depend on well-trained, certified professionals to keep the American medical system efficient, accessible, and safe. Clear career pathways and credentialing opportunities are essential to meeting current workforce needs while supporting students and local economies.
So this CTE Month, American Allied Health is proud to highlight how certification-focused CTE programs are making a measurable difference in their communities.
Livonia Career Technical Center: A Workforce Success Story
Livonia Career Technical Center (CTC) exemplifies how CTE programs can translate education into real-world outcomes through certification.
Over the past several years, Livonia CTC’s Health Science and Sports Medicine programs have helped add more than 70 Certified Physical Therapy Aides (CPTAs) to the workforce, with a real and meaningful impact on healthcare employers across Michigan.
“We’ve added more than 70 CPTA[s] to the workforce throughout the last few years and have truly enjoyed our partnership with American Allied Health.”
- Leah Gagnon, Health Science Instructor, Livonia Career Technical Center
Students have shared that employers recognize their certifications and that seeing CPTA on a resume often makes a significant impact on a candidate, ultimately leading to a job offer. She notes that at least 10 recent program graduates are currently working as Certified Physical Therapy Aides while continuing their education in areas including sports medicine, physical therapy, and other allied health fields. These students are gaining hands-on experience, building professional networks, and strengthening long-term career progression while still in school.
This success is supported by the leadership and instruction of both Leah Gagnon and Kara Sparks, whose commitment to career-focused education continues to open doors for students pursuing allied health pathways.
Career Pathways: Where Certified Physical Therapy Aides Can Work
Graduates who earn the Certified Physical Therapy Aide credential through CTE programs like Livonia CTC are finding opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Sports medicine and orthopedic clinics
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation units
- Outpatient physical therapy practices
These pathways provide real jobs and real experience in healthcare settings, allowing students to build résumés, develop workplace skills, and gain clarity about future career goals.
Celebrating CTE Leadership and Community Impact
Livonia Career Technical Center’s success demonstrates what is possible when strong instruction, aligned curriculum, and industry-recognized certification come together. During CTE Month, we are beyond proud to recognize the leadership of educators like Leah Gagnon and Kara Sparks, whose dedication continues to strengthen the allied health workforce and expand opportunities for students.
As we celebrate CTE Month, we encourage education leaders, employers, and communities to support Career and Technical Education programs that deliver workforce readiness, student opportunity, and lasting community impact.
The AAH Advantage for CTE Programs
American Allied Health partners with CTE programs nationwide to provide accessible, industry-recognized certification pathways that align with workforce needs and employer expectations.
Programs that certify through AAH benefit from:
- Nationally recognized certifications trusted by employers
- 100% online exams with flexible testing options
- Free basic study guides and practice exams are included with registration
- One free retake to support student success
- Affordable pricing that promotes equitable access
- Immediate exam results and proof of certification
Together, these advantages help educators focus on instruction while ensuring students are prepared to transition smoothly from the classroom into the workforce.