NextStep's training-to-placement program prepares learners to work as certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Our goal is to fill long-term care providers' critical staffing needs and provide learners the opportunity to begin a rewarding career in health care.

Technology Required for the Course

NextStep training materials are available through our app online or via mobile device. By delivering a digital curriculum, we ensure learner progress is monitored, saved and available for review. To enroll in our course, learners must have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone that can be connected to the internet with a minimum of 30MB of storage.

Enrollment

All course components are provided in English only at this time. Learners must be able to read, write, comprehend, and speak English fluently. Potential students in which English is a second language must provide proof of graduation from a United States high school, high school equivalent or successful completion of an English as a second language exam or other academic assessment as determined appropriate by NextStep.

No experience is required to enroll. To enroll in the

CO

CNA course, learners must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be legally eligible to work in the United States

• Have a valid state driver's license or government-issued photo ID card

• Be a

  Colorado

  resident

• Have a GED or high school diploma

• Not have a disqualifying offense

All learners applying to the NextStep CNA program must complete a background check that reviews criminal activity in all U.S. states. NextStep learners must meet the high standards of our employer partners to be eligible for our unique tuition-free program. Learners are disqualified from receiving employer-sponsored free tuition if they have any of the following disqualifying offenses on their background screening:

• Any felony convictions

• Any crimes involving abuse, neglect or exploitation of another person

• Violence toward another person, including domestic violence

• Crimes of a sexual nature, including offenses requiring registration as a sex offender

• The sale, possession, distribution or transfer of narcotics or controlled substances

• Theft in the past seven years

• More than two misdemeanors in the last 24 months

• Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol more than once in seven years

• Crimes involving the U.S. Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or Specially Designated Nationals (SDN)

• Crimes involving the Health and Human Services/Office of Inspector General List of Excluded Individuals/Entities or the GSA List of Parties Excluded from Federal Programs

Learners possessing a clear background except for having more than two non-violent misdemeanors during the last 24 months can choose to continue the program and pay full tuition with the understanding that they are not eligible for job placement through NextStep and may not be eligible for CNA certification.

Nondiscrimination

NextStep encourages diversity and accepts applications from all minorities. NextStep will not discriminate against any learner on the basis of race; religion; sex; creed; color; age; veteran or military status; sexual orientation; national origin; the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability; or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

NextStep acknowledges that information pertaining to an applicant’s disability is voluntary and confidential and will be made on an individual basis. If this information is presented, NextStep will attempt to provide a reasonable accommodation to overcome the effects of the limitation of the qualified applicant. 

All inquiries about accommodations should be made to the individual's mentor upon course registration. To be qualified for accommodations, an individual with a disability must meet the basic skill, education, training and other eligibility requirements of the NextStep certified nursing assistant program and must be able to perform the essential functions of a CNA, either with or without reasonable accommodation. The employment and academic standards are the same for all individuals enrolled. 

Instructors

Registered nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) instructors must have a minimum of one year's experience within the past three years in caring for the elderly or chronically ill of any age, have completed a course in adult instruction or have experience teaching adult courses, and be approved by the

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)

Coursework

The NextStep

CO

CNA Course can be completed in an average of

eight

weeks, coursework must be completed in no more than sixteen weeks from the date of enrollment. The speed of course completion is dependent on learners’ self-motivated progress. The coursework includes:

• Total theory (app) portion of the program =

  54

  hours

• Total lab portion of the program =

  24

  hours

• Total clinical portion of the program =

  16

  hours

NextStep Skill Sets and Individual Skills

Learners must complete the following to successfully complete the course and be eligible to sit for the state CNA exam:

1. In-app learning time: The total theory (app) self-paced portion of the program is approximately

   54

   hours (

   108

   skills) and is comprised of

   20

   skill sets. Each skill is equivalent to

   30

   minutes and consists of an introduction and steps via the app.  

2. Practice lab: Individuals must complete the first

   eleven

   skill sets in app as a prerequisite to attending the first practice lab. There are

   six

   required practice labs with no more than

   10

   learners per instructor at any time. Learners practice skills and receive structured, systematic feedback from the RN instructor. Learners also video-record themselves performing specific skills in the lab. These recordings are evaluated by an offsite RN evaluator who provides constructive feedback. Practice labs are scheduled in four-hour increments.

3. Requirements prior to clinical and direct patient contact:

   • Proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider completion
   • A health examination verifying the ability to complete caregiver tasks such as by being able to lift at least 30 lbs, squat, sit, bend at waist level and reach overhead
   • TB and any specific immunizations required for the clinical site
   • Criminal background screening

4. Clinical rotation: After theory and lab work are completed, learners must complete

   16

   hours of clinical, with a maximum of

   10

   learners per instructor, working directly with patients at local nursing facilities.

   Clinical is scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m, ongoing every two weeks as needed.

5. Education credential: Upon completion of the NextStep program, the learner will receive a certificate of completion.

6. Colorado

   state CNA exam: NextStep assists with scheduling the certified nursing assistant (CNA) exam. This is a two-part examination consisting of a written or oral examination and a skills evaluation. 

Attendance

Absenteeism and make-up time will be allowed on a case-by-case basis by the Instructor. All make-up assignments must contain the same content as the original approved assignment. Make-up work will comply with regulatory requirements and be provided according to the approved training. All cancellations, late rescheduling, and no-shows to lab and clinical are subject to a fee per the EULA. NextStep reserves the right to waive fees for extenuating circumstances.

• Theory: The theory portion of the NextStep CNA program is completed in the app at whichever time best fits the learner’s schedule. We advise completing 3-4 skills per week to stay on track with the agreed upon graduation deadline.

• Practice lab: If a learner is more than 15 minutes late to practice lab, they are not permitted to attend the practice lab and must reschedule. Learners are expected to stay for each of the entire four-hour labs. If a learner needs to leave early due to an emergency, the instructor will provide a plan for making up this time. 

• Clinical: All clinical hours and the mandatory clinical preparation orientation scheduled at the beginning of the clinical rotation must be completed to pass the course.
  
  15 minutes or less tardy from the start of the clinical: the learner will make up equivalent time after clinical end time equivalent to the number of minutes late with the instructor. Learners can have one episode of tardiness up to 15 minutes late.
  
  More than 15 minutes tardy from the start of the clinical: the learner is considered absent and will have to make up the entire clinical. 
  

Code of Conduct

The learner is expected to behave in a mature and professional manner during all interactions with other learners, instructors, individuals receiving care and mentors. Learners may be dismissed from the lab area or clinical as a result of conduct that is unsafe, unethical, inappropriate or unprofessional. Disciplinary action may include dismissal for the day or dismissal from the course. 

Practice Lab Code of Conduct

• Wear scrubs or appropriate clothing to each practice lab.
• Remain in the practice lab for the entire scheduled time or until dismissed by the instructor.
• Leave all equipment and supplies in the lab.
• Display professional and respectful behavior and language at all times.
• Act in ways that do not infringe upon the privacy, rights, privileges, health or safety of other lab users. 

Clinical Code of Conduct
Unprofessional or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. This includes:

• Disrespectful, interruptive, disruptive or impatient behavior toward instructors, fellow learners, staff or clinical staff
• Cheating
• Alcohol or drug use at clinical site or before clinical
• Fighting, use of profanity or aggressive behavior 
• Eating and/or chewing gum in clinical areas
• Unauthorized use of cell phones or other electrical devices in clinical areas

Practice Lab and Clinical Dress Code

• NextStep Scrubs – Scrubs must be neat, clean and wrinkle-free. A solid white shirt may be worn under the scrub top. Pants must fit at the waist and be long enough to cover the ankle.
• Shoes - Footwear must be clean, non-canvas material with a closed toe and heel.
• Socks - Socks must be clean. No portion of the leg or ankle should be visible.
• Hair must be neat, clean and arranged to not touch the collar.
• Make-up must be kept to a minimum.
• Perfumes and colognes are not allowed.
• Nails must be short, clean and free of any nail polish or artificial covering.
• Tattoos must be covered.
• Jewelry - Watches, medical alert necklaces or bracelets, a single ring, or a single pair of post earrings are the only visible jewelry allowed.
• Equipment – Only items required for the job are allowed: watch with a second hand, NextStep photo ID and a black pen.

Confidentiality

All clinical interactions with individuals receiving care and simulation lab practice sessions involving learners, including video recordings, are considered confidential. Learners are expected to uphold all requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and any other federal or state laws requiring confidentiality. Learners should report any violations to the program coordinator or instructors.

Dismissal

NextStep learners are expected to maintain academic progress and conduct themselves in a professional manner while completing coursework and during their lab/clinical experience. 

Learner Course Participation
Learners may be dismissed if they:

• Are inactive in the course for 30 or more days
• Fail to respond to their mentor after three unsuccessful mentor-initiated follow-up attempts (Note: An unsuccessful attempt occurs when a learner is unresponsive upon mentor outreach via chat, notification or email. Follow-up occurs when a learner is failing to meet expected goals.)  
• Any violation of a fully executed learning agreement may result in the learner being required to repeat the program or be dismissed 

Learner Performance in Practice Lab
Learners may be asked to leave practice lab if they:

• Arrive more than 15 minutes late
• Arrive without proper uniform, including scrubs and appropriate footwear
• Conduct themselves unprofessionally (for example, using foul language, refusing to work with other learners, spending excessive time outside of the lab for breaks or sleeping at any time)
• Give or receive help during recording of video skills (after first warning)
• Fail to participate in lab, video recording or working with assigned team
• Any violation of a fully executed learning agreement may result in the learner being required to repeat the program or be dismissed 

Learners may be dismissed from the program and/or determined ineligible for job placement if they:

• Continue to attempt to give or receive help during recording of video skills
• Threaten the welfare of individuals receiving care, other learners or staff
• Are disrespectful to staff or other learners
• Fail to adhere to lab and facility policies or procedures
• Fail to follow instructions repeatedly
• Argue with peers, health care providers, individuals receiving care, families, instructors or staff
• Refuse to carry out assigned duties
• Fail to follow attendance policy 
• Misrepresent their personal competency level in any aspect of the program (for example, state inaccurately that they are already a CNA or have been trained to insert IVs)
• Fail to alter behavior after constructive feedback
• Behave in any manor that may adversely affect the company’s future use of clinical sites
• Are unable to pass practice lab skills at 100% after three attempts
• Commit more than two conduct violations reported by the instructor or other learners

Learner Performance in Clinical
Learners may be dismissed from clinical if they: 

• Fail to attend and participate in at least

  16

  hours of clinical 

• Make any schedule change (including trading with another student) without permission 
• Perform skills for which they have not been trained and found proficient on by the lab instructor
• Fail to maintain the confidentiality, privacy and safety of the facility or individuals receiving care (this includes social networking sites)
• No call /no show to any clinical 
• Have an unexcused absence or early departure from a clinical assignment
• Fail to communicate pertinent information about an individual receiving care to staff/instructor
• Leave the unit without notifying staff or instructors
• Are asked by facility staff to leave or not return to any facility
• Are deemed to be lacking proficiency in trained skills by the clinical instructor after multiple evaluation attempts
• Any violation of a fully executed learning agreement may result in the learner being required to repeat the program or be dismissed 

Learner Immediate Dismissal
Learners may be immediately dismissed if they: 

• Appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or behaving in a manner that displays unprofessional conduct
• Commit violence, display threatening behavior or steal property during practice lab or clinical
• Abuse, neglect or mistreat individual receiving care, peers, instructors or mentors
• Performance of skills in the clinical which have not been assigned because the learner has not been deemed proficient or the skill is outside the CNA scope of practice

Completion
Learners are placed in a CNA position with one of our NextStep-approved employers once they pass their CNA exam, unless they have chosen to pay tuition and not participate in qualifying placement.

Tuition & Additional Costs

NextStep learners may choose to either pay tuition for the NextStep CNA training program or participate in the NextStep tuition scholarship program.

Tuition Scholarship Track

13.00

995.00

Additional Costs

• Proof of required vaccines: hepatitis B, MMR, tetanus, varicella (insurance/private pay)
• TB test (Insurance/private pay)
• Physical exam (insurance/private pay)
• State CNA certification exam fee

Costs Covered by NextStep

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider (no cost with NextStep vendors)
• Background check
• NextStep National COVID-Ready Caregiver Certification
• First pair of scrubs

Tuition Track

Course tuition is $

995.00

broken down over the duration of the program. See NextStep's End License User Agreement (EULA) for the enrollment agreement, which includes the payment schedule, method of payment, and cancellation and refund policies. 

Financial Aid Assistance

NextStep does not offer financial aid assistance.

Grading and Standards of Progress

NextStep grades using a pass/fail method.

Theory

There are fifteen questions per skill and thirty questions per skill set. Learners must achieve a minimum score of 80% on the skill set evaluation to pass. Learners’ progress through the program is indicated by their accumulation of digital skill badges or percent of progress.

Practice Lab

The RN instructor ensures that learners are trained and found proficient in all skills on each performance-based assessment. If a learner fails a critical step (based on Pearson Vue’s identification), they fail the assessment. Learners receive a practice lab skills checklist to track progress and successful skill demonstration.

Clinical

‍The RN instructor ensures that learners demonstrate proficiency in all skills. The clinical skills checklist displays learner progress and skill competency.

Evaluation Techniques

Theory

Knowledge-based assessment questions demonstrate understanding and comprehension of a skill.

Practice Lab

Performance-based video evaluation provide step-by-step performance ratings in addition to personalized feedback and hands-on skill demonstration. Learners receive feedback and guidance from RN instructors during practice lab and video skill evaluations with a pass or fail grade. Evaluations in the practice lab assess the student’s level of competency when performing all skills. Students must achieve an 85% or higher to pass each skill. Failing or performing bolded steps results in an automatic failure of the skill even if all other steps have been performed correctly. The student receives a pass/fail performance-based video evaluation based on successful skill demonstration of bold steps (Critical Element Steps) outlined in the Skill Rubric to be deemed competent in each designated skill. The learner can repeat the skill for a total of three times before being placed on a student-specific academic plan.

Clinical

Skills are demonstrated hands-on.

Withdrawal and Re-entry

NextStep accommodates some learner-initiated time away from the program with advance notice. A learner may begin completing the skills again where they left off if they voluntarily disenroll during self-paced app work. Re-entry alerts the mentor, who will contact the learner regarding plans for progress.
‍
Learners must complete the NextStep course in no more than 16 weeks from the date of enrollment. Planned absences, for up to two-weeks, are reviewed and approved on an individual basis by the Program Director. Those learners who have an approved planned absence during the program must still adhere to completing the course within 16 weeks from the date of enrollment.
‍
Learners may not re-enter the course if dismissed due to ineligibility due to conduct, issues, criminal background offenses, or not meeting requirements, such as not having a high school diploma or being under the age of 18. Questions or concerns regarding eligibility may be directed to the manager of customer success.

Grievance: Complaint/Appeal Process

Learners who have a complaint or concern can request an appointment with their RN instructor, the program coordinator or the appropriate designee. The request should include the learner’s full name and a statement of concern, including dates, times and names of those involved.

The program coordinator or appropriate designee will notify the learner of the appointment date on which the concerns will be addressed. Every effort will be made to bring an amicable resolution. If necessary, a panel of instructors and/or appropriate NextStep staff will hear the concerns and be asked to assist in bringing a resolution. The learner will be notified within five business days of the outcome. 

Record Retention

NextStep utilizes electronic documents and gathers and stores minimal hard copies (paper or printed) of documentation. Retention and disposal of electronic and/or paper documents that validate completion and competency of skills will insure information is adequately protected and digitally maintained and discarded at the designated time. Learner records will be maintained by the school for seven years.

Course Calendar

The following holidays will be observed (lab and clinical classes will not be held on these days): 

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Customer Support

Mentors are available via app chat, email, text or phone, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. PST. 

Facilities

The NextStep Practice lab allows learners to learn aspects of caregiving through demonstration and hands-on practice under the direction and supervision of an approved

CO

Instructor. The maximum class size is 10, and the student/teacher ratio is 10:1. The practice lab is equipped with mannequins, hospital beds and medical equipment to practice skills prior to the clinical rotation.The practice lab has a break area for learners with a sink, tables and chairs. Both male and female lavatories are available. Parking is available in a well-lit parking lot. The facility is located in close proximity to public transit. The practice lab is an ADA-accessible facility with handicapped ramps and lavatories; reasonable accommodation will be provided at the request of the student.

Lab Address

5335 W 48th Ave, Suite #102 Denver, CO 80212

Contact Us: hello@nextstep.com

Licensure

State Government Reference Links