By: Nishita Gudipati
HOSA, or HOSA- Future Health Professionals, is an international club led by students, geared towards providing opportunities and information for those planning to pursue a healthcare career. HOSA provides various programs that promote leadership skills, motivation, and recognition for those interested in participating. HOSA also has an extension to it known as the HSE program. In this teaching program, instructors not only talk about basic skills but also help develop the students to have the qualities needed for a healthcare professional. As an organization, HOSA’s ultimate goal is to empower its members to be prepared to lead in the healthcare world through experience, education, and collaboration.
As for the actual operation of the club, it can vary from school to school but they all follow a similar set of plans. As the club is student-led it has elected members that are responsible for leading it and planning all the events. Like any other high school club, HOSA holds meetings throughout the academic year aiding its members to achieve their goals. There are different types of things the members of the club can be a part of, participating in services, competing in the Events Program, and learning basic skills related to healthcare. HOSA members are responsible for partaking in various service events either individually or together to build leadership skills that can develop crucial personality traits. Additionally, the core part of HOSA is its Competitive Events Program, where students partake in competitions at various levels centered around healthcare.
There are a total of 58 events, although they are sectioned by age group. The competitions are in different categories such as health science, health professions, leadership, etc. and members may choose to participate in the ones that they deem to be most fitting. Based on these activities, the time commitments can vary based on the school, and the role of the member. The club may choose to meet as often as they like, although it is likely to be once a week ranging anywhere from 15-45 mins. Moreover, one’s role in the club also determines the commitment. Planning service events may require extra time during a certain week, and preparing for competition requires extra research and preparation time outside the meeting timings of the club. On average HOSA requires a moderate time commitment however, at certain times there may be less or more attention required.
Starting a HOSA chapter at your school is a relatively easy process. Start by choosing a teacher that is willing to be your advisor, preferably a teacher that is familiar with the health sciences. Once an advisor is established they can help charter and apply to be part of the international organization, and they would also establish how to organize the chapter. It is also crucial that while starting a chapter special attention is given to the member affiliation fee, the various things a member has to sign up for, and their deadlines to participate in the various programs offered by the club. All of the more detailed information for starting a chapter can be found on the official HOSA website as well. Overall, the most important part is finding an advisor and following the deadlines and instructions to become affiliated with the national organizations when starting a new chapter.
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