> if EAD is as good as having a g.c?
Almost. You list 'immigrant' on your residency application either way. After that, no employer is allowed to inquire about the details of your status.
> do i need to still take step-3?
Well, you will need it for licensure eventually. But no, just to start residency step1,2ck and 2cs will be sufficient. Only the H1b visa requires you to have the prerequisites for licensure.
