HOSA 101

What is HOSA?

HOSA is a student organization for people who are curious about health and healthcare careers. Students join through a chapter at their school, led by a teacher called an advisor.

It is not a class you have to be great at science to join. Members are middle schoolers, high schoolers and college students who all want to learn about health.

What does HOSA stand for?

HOSA originally stood for Health Occupations Students of America. Today the organization is known as HOSA - Future Health Professionals.

Why do students join?

To try out health careers before choosing one. To learn skills like public speaking, teamwork and research. To meet students from other schools. And because competing is genuinely fun.

What is a competitive event?

A competitive event is a challenge you prepare for and then perform at a conference. Some are written tests, some are presentations in front of judges, some are hands-on skills, and some are team rounds.

You usually pick one event for the season and prepare for it over several months.

What is a chapter?

A chapter is your school's HOSA group. Chapters hold meetings, pick officers, plan community service, fundraise for travel and prepare members for competition.

What happens at a conference?

Conferences are events where chapters gather to compete, attend workshops and hear speakers. Many states run a regional or area conference first, then a State Leadership Conference (SLC).

Top finishers at state may qualify for the International Leadership Conference (ILC), where students from many states and countries compete.

Leadership and service

Members can run for chapter office, lead a project or organize service like a health fair or a food drive. Service is a real part of HOSA, not an extra.

Words you'll hear

Advisor: the teacher who leads your chapter. Guideline: the official rules document for an event. SLC: State Leadership Conference. ILC: International Leadership Conference. Rating sheet: the scoring form judges use.