We had the good fortune of connecting with Annette Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annette, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Take the 1st step! This means to me that I’m willing to put forth the effort and take the first step towards my goals. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part and I believe if you take the first step, the next steps will come easier. One day you’ll look back and be ecstatic that you indeed took the first step.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My name is Annette Anderson and I am the proud owner and founder of 1st Step Healthcare Training, located at 7800 W. Outer Drive. 1st Step Healthcare Training is a proprietary school that specializes in healthcare training. We offer many programs including Certified nursing assistant training and phlebotomy. We also offer certifications for CPR, BLS and first aid through the American Heart Association (AHA), and we offering advanced skills training for nurses, nursing students, or healthcare staff. 1st Step Healthcare Training is a passionate, people-centered company that provides essential healthcare education to those entering the medical field. What sets 1st Step apart from others is our commitment to offering personalized, hands-on training that focuses on both technical proficiency and compassionate patient care. Our approach goes beyond textbooks, as they emphasize real-world scenarios and building confidence in their students, ensuring they are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.

The journey to where 1st Step is today was not without challenges. I started as a nurse working at the bedside and soon felt the pressure of healthcare fatigue and burnout. I have no business background so everything had to be learned our I figured it out via trial and error. I hit a lot of obstacles, but that just made me pivot. Like many healthcare training programs, the organization faced hurdles such as keeping up with changing medical regulations, evolving educational technologies, and adapting to the different learning styles of students. However, the company’s resilience stems from its deep-rooted belief in providing high-quality, accessible training to anyone passionate about healthcare. I overcame these obstacles by becoming knowledgeable about running a business and taking feedback from each student on how I can make my business even better.

What 1st Step is most proud of is the success stories of its graduates—healthcare professionals who go on to provide excellent care in their communities. The team behind 1st Step finds great fulfillment in watching their students grow from eager learners to confident, competent healthcare workers.

Lessons learned along the way include the importance of adaptability, the power of mentorship, and the value of creating a supportive learning environment. 1st Step learned that success is not just about teaching skills but also fostering a culture of empathy, resilience, and professionalism.

The world should know that 1st Step Healthcare Training is more than just a stepping stone for healthcare careers—it’s a nurturing community where future healthcare heroes are shaped and current healthcare heroes are illuminated. 1st Step dedication to creating competent, compassionate professionals is what defines our brand and fuels our success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to the all the local museums, including Motown Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, Charles Wright Museum, etc. I would then visit downtown to eat at some of the local restaurants, such as Floods, District 78, and many others. I really like attending entrepreneurial events. I would take my best friend to any event where we can network and meet other entrepreneurs in Detroit or Metro Detroit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my success to my mentor, Mrs. Yvonne Williams-Houilles. She currently is suffering from dementia but I know she’ll be extremely proud of my success. When she first came into my life at the age of 16 I had no confidence in my ability to become someone, with her guidance and love I became a Registered Nurse and now a business owner. Her words still ring in my ears, “you can do anything you put your mind to, Annette!”

Website: https://www.firststephealthcaretraining.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1ststephealthcaretraining

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1ststephealthcaretraining

Yelp: 1st Step Healthcare Training

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