NextStep

Cofounded by Chris Hedrick and Charissa Raynor, NextStep is an information technology company that provides training and job placement for workers via a mobile application platform. The platform features a mobile and web-based platform that allows its users to manage staff accordingly on their positions. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, NextStep trains, connects and offers support to caregivers, while introducing long-term care providers to a network of nursing assistants.

NextStep offers a blended-learning CNA course that melds online learning with practice in real-world clinical settings. With NextStep Upskill, the company provides a streamlined path for care facilities to train fresh and existing staff to become professional nurse aides. The company's focus is on making an impact on understaffed care facilities.

NextStep CEO, Chris Hendrick, stated

“We continue to offer the most innovative approaches and technology to provide a bigger pipeline of CNAs to help solve the caregiver crisis. Responding to the feedback from our employer partners, we saw a real opportunity to support both their recruitment efforts and their benefits to current employees looking to upskill. From an employer standpoint, there’s a lot to be said for investing in the candidate you already know. By offering interested employees a path toward certification, care facilities can grow their own CNAs and offer training as a benefit of employment to new hires.”