The Healthcare Workforce Coalition, of which Ascend Learning and NHA are founding members, developed a case study spotlighting Esteban Ramirez, an NHA-certified Patient Care Technician in Arizona.

Esteban got his start in healthcare in high school, enrolling in a career pathway program through Pima JTED in partnership with Tucson Medical Center and NHA. Between hands-on hospital rotations and classroom learning, he built the skills and confidence to earn an industry-recognized credential as a Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT). That credential opened the door for him to immediately begin working after high school, directly caring for patients.

Esteban’s story reflects a bigger truth: 85% of healthcare employers say they’re more likely to interview and hire candidates with an industry-recognized certification. Certification programs like these are advancing careers and changing lives while also helping address critical workforce shortages and ensuring patients continue to receive high-quality care.

To read the full case study, click here.