AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION CPR Training Course(S) - BLENDED LEARNING - COMBINES E-LEARNING WITH HANDS-ON SKILLS SESSIONS. THE SKILLS SESSION IS COMPLETED IN PERSON WITH AN AHA INSTRUCTOR. BENEFITS: LEARNING STYLES VARY BETWEEN students, and you may discover eLearning meets the needs of some, while others prefer classroom training. QUALITY OF TRAINING: Material in eLearning courses is developed through AHA science research and the AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC are a proven source of quality. CONSISTENCY: Each student receives the same experience and can review the topics they find challenging as many times as needed. CONVENIENCE: A student can complete the theory portion of the course online and schedule skills evaluation via the listed schedule below. Students have access to the online portion of their course for 2 years unless AHA discontinues the course. Traditional in-person CPR classes are available for scheduling.

This course is designed to prepare individuals to function in the role of nurse assistant in a variety of health care settings. Content includes basic nursing care procedures and skills, body mechanics, safety measures, special treatments, communication skills, and care of persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. The course consists of theory instruction in the classroom/lab and clinical experience in a long-term care facility. This course is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and Illinois Board of Higher Education for private and vocational schools. This course fulfills the state-mandated meeting requirements. FSTEs curriculum meets all educational requirements to be eligible to take the Illinois Comprehensive Nursing Assistant Exam and practice once successful in the state of Illinois. The Basic Nurse Assistant is an essential part of health care delivery. Basic Nurse Assistant Training education provides an opportunity to improve society’s utilization of the basic nursing skills that will serve communities. We believe certified nursing assistants can improve healthcare outcomes by providing safe, effective, evidence-based, therapeutic, unbiased, and competent care for clients of all ages and stages of life. Basic Nurse Assistants utilize critical thinking skills and are an integral part of the nursing process. Upon completion of the program, the student will have acquired the knowledge and skills to function as a nursing assistant and will be eligible to take the state “Nursing Assistant Certification Exam and become Certified Nursing Assistants. The Hybrid Basic Nurse Assistant Training Course is 6 weeks in length. Students attend classes via ZOOM, Mondays, and Tuesdays, in person lab on Wednesdays and attend clinical sessions at designated sites. Students will have no less than 2-3 hours of homework online each day. Students are required to adhere to an asynchronous schedule that includes scheduled testing dates and times. Students must have a computer and have good computer skills and the ability to manage their time well, be strong independent learners and be accountable for course material deadlines.

The Phlebotomy Training program meets the needs of students with no prior knowledge or experience in Phlebotomy. The training provided consists of lectures and hands-on lab time. The program is also designed to allow the most qualified healthcare professionals to become qualified certified phlebotomists. Our goal is to make the certification process as simple and painless as possible, giving students the tools to excel in their careers. The course introduces basic laboratory skills to collect and process high-quality blood specimens for clinical laboratory analysis. Includes laboratory safety measures, professionalism, communication, and interpersonal skills in a healthcare setting. FSTE curriculum meets all the educational requirements for a successful candidate to take the national Phlebotomy certification exam. Candidates who successfully complete the program and pass the certification exam will be certified to practice nationally. The Phlebotomy program offered at FSTE is presented in 2 parts: Lecture/lab experience and Externship Practicum. The first half of the phlebotomy course will explain the role of the phlebotomy technician; explain basic anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system; define standard precautions and apply its principles to all procedures; list methods of client and specimen identification; describe proper bedside manner and how to prepare the client for venipuncture collection. Identify locations for appropriate venipuncture collection; explain potential risks and complications. The second half of the practicum will offer the following topics: quality assurance and quality control, continuation of medical terminology, legal aspects of phlebotomy and completion of a minimum of 5 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks in class. During the Externship, designed to provide opportunity to practice in a learning environment, the student must obtain 25 more venipunctures and 5 capillary sticks under the supervision of a preceptor from an affiliating facility. Students will receive a certificate and be eligible to sit for the National Health Careers Association Certification exam. The Hybrid Phlebotomy Certification Training Course is 6 weeks in length, with a one-week Externship at designated sites. Students attend classes via ZOOM, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in person lab on Thursdays and attend Externship sessions at designated sites. Students will have no less than 2-3 hours of homework online each day. Students must adhere to an asynchronous schedule that includes scheduled testing dates and times. Students must have a computer and have good computer skills and the ability to manage their time well, be strong independent learners, and be accountable for course material deadlines. After successfully completing the program, the student is eligible to sit for the National Health Career Association Certification (NHA) exam.

The Practical Nursing (PN) program at FSTE is approved by the Illinois Nursing Board, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE.) Practical nurses (PN) function as members of the health team and are actively involved with care throughout the life span. FSTEs curriculum is approved and meets all the requirements for the successful candidate to be eligible to take the Illinois NCLEX-PN examination. Functioning within the provisions of the Illinois Nurse Practice Act of 2017 (Article 55) and State of Illinois Nursing Rules (Administrative Code: Title 68(b), the practical nurse provides and manages care and participates in teaching and research under the supervision of a registered professional nurse, licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist. Practical nursing education combines clinical experiences and theoretical knowledge encompassing the nursing process, communication, and the biological and social sciences. Education incorporates a teaching-learning process resulting in positive changes within each student. FSTE applies the Novice to Expert theory by Patricia Benner throughout the threads of the Practical nurse program. Novice to Expert theory reveals knowledge is accrued and embedded in nursing education and practice over time. The faculty fosters an environment and curriculum which increases the knowledge and skill acquisition of the perspective student. FSTE's Practical Nursing program is a Certificate program consisting of 1080 clock hours; preparing individuals to function in the practical nurse role. Individuals completing the practical nursing program at FSTE meet the education requirements and are eligible to sit for the Illinois NCLEX-PN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN.) Currently the Practical Nurse Certification Program is being delivered via the “hybrid” methodology. Theory/class sessions are conducted currently via ZOOM; laboratory sessions are delivered on site at FSTE, and clinical sessions are delivered in person at affiliating health facilities. The Practical Nurse Training Program is designed to be completed in18 months (1year and one-half year.) As a Hybrid program portion of the courses are covered online via ZOOM, on specific course scheduled days with students completing at least 6-8 hours of assigned work online. As a Hybrid program, a portion of the classes are covered online, and students attend lab and clinical sessions at designated sites. Students are required to adhere to an asynchronous schedule that includes scheduled testing dates and times. Students must have a computer and have good computer skills and the ability to manage their time well, be strong independent learners and be accountable for course material deadlines. Students who successfully complete the Practical Nurse Training Program will receive a Certificate of Completion and be able to sit for the Illinois NCLEX-PN state licensure exam.

In the First Step to Excellence Healthcare Training Academy, the curriculum is focused on producing outstanding Certified Nursing Assistants. Allowing students to comprehend the complexities of patient care, attention to detail, and recognizing vital signs is an integral component of their learning. The academy operates with a recognized teaching philosophy and includes simulated scenarios in their classes to ensure students understand practical applications. The academy remains proactive in equipping students to adjust to real-world scenarios. Over the years, it has successfully trained individuals who are committed, trustworthy, and knowledgeable, thereby contributing to the healthcare sector's excellent workforce. Specialists in the academy assess students' progress with their knowledge and skills at regular intervals, updating their learning focus as necessary. Therefore, its graduates not only secure jobs in the healthcare sector but prove to be an asset to their employers, providing compassionate care to those who need it. The First Step to Excellence Healthcare Training Academy has a proven track record in preparing its students for a successful future as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

First Step to Excellence Healthcare Training Academy offers aspiring individuals a dynamic and easy-to-understand program in Phlebotomy. Their course content, taught by experienced instructors, comes with the added promise of a robust and sound knowledge base in phlebotomy principles and procedures. Designed for clear comprehension, the academy's curriculum favors every learner, irrespective of their educational background, making it a flexible platform to launch a career in healthcare. Hence, for anyone with a passion for contributing to people's health and wellbeing, this journey towards Phlebotomy certification through this academy is a sure step to success.

First Step to Excellence Healthcare Training Academy is celebrated widely for their extraordinary training offered for those aspiring to become Licensed Vocational Nurses. They provide an extensive range of practical sessions and expert guidance that equally emphasizes care principles and technical skillsets. This knowledge is invaluable for anyone striving to exceed in the healthcare ecosystem, ensuring they not only carry out their nursing duties effectively, but also provide a compassionate touch. The academy's hands-on focus, coupled with an emphasis on latest practices, allows their students to stay ahead in the dynamic world of nursing. By choosing First Step to Excellence Healthcare Training Academy, individuals are opening doors to a rewarding and challenging career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

First Step to Excellence Healthcare Training Academy sets forth to provide top-quality CPR and Basic Life Support training. Every course is taught by knowledgeable instructors who have extensive experience in the health field. The essence of these programs is the emphasis on real-life situations. Learners undergo practical training on manikins and other modern medical equipment, a strategy that boosts their confidence in providing life-saving support. Beyond that, the academy understands the constantly evolving nature of healthcare, thus frequently updates its training materials to align with current best practices. From CPR recertification to comprehensive Basic Life Support training, the academy commits to excellence, ensuring each learner acquires lifesaving skills effectively.