First Steps To Excellence Health Care Training Academy

First Steps To Excellence Health Care Training Academy’s PHLEBOTOMY TRAINING PROGRAM in Chicago, Illinois, prepares students to collect and process blood specimens for clinical laboratory analysis and leads to eligibility for the National Health Career Association Certification (NHA) exam. The hybrid program combines lectures, hands-on laboratory instruction, and an externship at designated sites over six weeks, including a one-week externship. Training covers specimen identification, venipuncture, capillary sticks, laboratory safety, quality control, medical terminology, and legal aspects of phlebotomy. Admission requires applicants to be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Health clearance documents and a drug screen are also required.

At a glance

• Format: Hybrid
• Leads to: National Health Career Association Certification (NHA) exam

First Steps To Excellence Health Care Training Academy’s Practical Nurse Training Program is offered in Chicago, Illinois. The certificate program prepares students to function in the practical nurse role and qualifies completers to sit for the Illinois NCLEX-PN state licensure exam for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure. The 18-month program uses a hybrid format, with theory classes conducted online through Zoom and laboratory and clinical sessions held in person at the school and affiliated healthcare facilities. Admission requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, submit high school, GED, college, certified nursing assistant, or emergency medical technician documentation, and meet the required ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills score. Applicants must also complete required background, health, and drug screening before clinical participation.

At a glance

• Format: Hybrid
• Leads to: Illinois NCLEX-PN state licensure exam

First Steps To Excellence Health Care Training Academy’s Basic Nurse Assistant Training (CNA) in Chicago, Illinois, prepares students to work as nurse assistants in health care settings. The program covers basic nursing care, body mechanics, safety measures, special treatments, communication, and care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It prepares graduates to take the Illinois Comprehensive Nursing Assistant Exam and the Nursing Assistant Certification Exam. The six-week hybrid course combines classroom and laboratory instruction, online classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, in-person lab on Wednesdays, and clinical sessions at designated sites. Admission requires applicants to be at least 17 years old, or 16 and currently enrolled in high school with parental acknowledgment, and to provide a high school diploma or GED. Placement exams, a physical examination, immunization documentation, drug screen, criminal background check, state identification, and a Social Security card are also required.

At a glance

• Format: Hybrid
• Leads to: Illinois Comprehensive Nursing Assistant Exam and Nursing Assistant Certification Exam

First Steps To Excellence Health Care Training Academy’s CPR TRAINING COURSE in Chicago, Illinois, prepares participants in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including adult and pediatric CPR, two-rescuer CPR, bag-mask use, foreign-body airway obstruction response, and automated external defibrillator use. The Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers track leads to a BLS Provider Course Completion Card issued electronically to successful attendees. Training is delivered through blended learning that combines online theory with an in-person skills session led by an American Heart Association instructor; traditional in-person classes are also available. The primary Basic Life Support track runs approximately three to four hours, while other CPR and first-aid tracks run approximately four to seven hours. The page does not state admission prerequisites.

At a glance

• Format: HYBRID
• Leads to: BLS Provider Course Completion Card