About Us

History

First Step to Excellence Health Care Training Academy, Ltd. (FSTE) has been a life- long vision of Dr. Jerrilyn Pearson, who has always felt education is the key to unlock doors and enhance unlimited opportunities. Being a Registered Professional Nurse as well as a Nurse Educator, in an attempt to minimize disparities in health care delivery in meeting society's diverse cultural needs, Dr. Pearson has recognized the need for quality health care professionals. Therefore, the vision was incorporated September 2015. FSTE opened its doors to the community October 16, 2016.

FSTE has garnered approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois Department Public Health, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations, to provide training programs leading to certification and licensure for the Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program, Practical Nurse Training, and Phlebotomy Certification programs.
FSTE is built on the principles of Integrity, Professionalism, Basic Human Needs, Caring and Residents Rights.

Academy description

 First Step to Excellence Health Care Training Academy (FSTE) is a 2200 square feet single level building located between two major intersections, Stony Island Avenue and Jeffrey Boulevard with easy access to public transportation. FSTE is located within a diverse community with a mix of businesses, eateries and day care centers. The academy is unique to the area, being the first training facility offering health care training. WI-FI and computers are available on site. The skills lab is equipped with hospital beds, assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and mannequin for training.


Mission

First Step to Excellence Healthcare Training Academy, Ltd. (FSTE) in Chicago, IL is committed to and directs its actions to provide quality educational opportunities which emphasize skill acquisition and knowledge, allowing students to become competent, quality healthcare deliverers. We are committed to exemplary educational standards which foster and support a curriculum founded in critical thinking, encouragement of intellectual curiosity, rational inquiry, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Our company is further enriched by a curriculum designed to enable students to demonstrate personal accountability based on self-development and evaluation, values of respect, caring, and justice along with a commitment to the healthcare profession, as evidenced by high standards of practice in healthcare delivery.