LA-26: Careers in Motion: Five Keys Physical Therapy Aide Program

Pathways Improvement Scope

The Careers in Motion: Five Keys Physical Therapy Aide Program establishes a new allied health career pathway that prepares justice-involved and other underserved students for careers in physical therapy and rehabilitation services. Through partnerships with East Los Angeles College, Cerritos College, U.S. Career Institute, and BuildEd, the program combines industry-aligned coursework, certifications, dual enrollment, trauma-informed support services, and work-based learning to create a seamless pathway from high school to postsecondary education and employment in the healthcare sector.

Goals & Priorities

The project aims to increase access, completion, credential attainment, and postsecondary transition for students facing significant barriers, including justice involvement, housing instability, poverty, and interrupted education. Key priorities include expanding equitable access to healthcare career pathways, earning industry-recognized certifications, increasing dual enrollment and college credit attainment, providing work-based learning and mentorship opportunities, and preparing students for high-demand, living-wage careers in physical therapy and allied health fields