Ascend Learning acquires StaffGarden to strengthen healthcare talent development and compliance
Ascend Learning, a provider of educational tools and software for healthcare professionals and institutions has acquired StaffGarden, a cloud-based platform that supports clinical talent development and compliance.
The acquisition is intended to help healthcare systems address ongoing workforce challenges, which hospital CEOs have identified as a priority.
StaffGarden’s platform is currently utilised by over 800 hospitals in the United States to assist with staff retention and career development. By integrating StaffGarden into its existing operations, Ascend Learning wants to enhance its ability to provide healthcare systems with tools to support career growth, competency tracking, and staff development.
“Ascend Learning strives to educate and empower a motivated, confident, and skilled healthcare workforce, a goal we proudly share with StaffGarden,” said Sean Burke, Chief Commercial Officer of Ascend Learning.
“We are excited to welcome StaffGarden to the Ascend Learning team to help solve the severe workforce challenges that exist today and enhance StaffGarden’s talent development programs that over 800 hospitals and thousands of nurses nationwide already trust.”
Workforce development focus
The acquisition will allow Ascend Learning to expand its capabilities in digital workforce development solutions, particularly in the healthcare sector. Through StaffGarden’s platform, hospitals can implement and manage clinical ladder programs, peer reviews, competency assessments, and career progression tools for their staff.
“Our clients trust us with empowering their workforce to reach their full potential, and nurses who are supported in reaching that full potential are more likely to stay with their employers,” said Ryan Reid, co-founder of StaffGarden.
“This acquisition will only further support that goal. Ascend Learning’s depth in educating healthcare workers and their ability to help us scale and innovate our products to better serve health systems are among the reasons we decided to join.”
StaffGarden’s cloud-based platform offers healthcare systems a structured approach to managing clinical talent. It integrates tools for competency assessment, career development, and visibility for both leadership and staff, allowing hospitals to standardise clinical ladders across their systems.
Expanding Capabilities
In a separate transaction, Ascend Learning has also acquired the content and resources of Versant Healthcare Competency Solutions. Larissa Africa, the President and CEO of Versant, will join Ascend Learning as Vice President of Workforce Solutions.
Commenting on the acquisition, Africa said, “I am pleased and honoured to be joining Ascend Learning to continue innovating in strategic workforce development and, ultimately, achieve quality outcomes to benefit both patients and the healthcare team.”
