HOSA (organization)


HOSA – Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, is an international career and technical student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE. HOSA is composed of middle school, secondary, and post secondary/collegiate students, along with professional, alumni, and honorary members. It is headquartered in Southlake, Texas, and is the largest student organization which prepares students to enter the healthcare field. Currently known as HOSA Future Health Professionals, it is an international organization including the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, China, and Mexico.

History

HOSA was founded in 1976 out of a task force from the American Vocational Association in order to determine whether a new student organization accommodating healthcare students was necessary.
From November 4–7, 1975, the State Department of Education and Division of Vocational Education in New Jersey with 18 representatives from Alabama, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas voted to form the American Health Occupations Education Student Organization.
On November 10–13, 1976, in a constitutional convention in Arlington, Texas AHOESO adopted bylaws, which also changed the organization's name to Health Occupations Students of America; elected national leaders; selected colors and a motto; made plans to design an emblem; and set the first National Leadership Conference for the spring of 1978 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
In 2004, the organization dropped the acronym from its name, and began publishing all documents under the brand "HOSA – Future Health Professionals."

Beliefs

Uniform

The official HOSA uniform consists of a navy blue suit with maroon accent in the form of a tie for men or a scarf for women. The HOSA emblem is affixed to the suit jacket.

International Leadership Conferences (ILCs)

Members meet annually at an International Leadership Conference held in late June in cities across the United States. Over 7,500 students participate in engaging general sessions, competitive events, and leadership experiences, all while networking with health sciences students representing nearly all 50 states and international countries including Canada, China, and Mexico.
Previous & Upcoming Scheduled ILCs:
YearDates of ConventionConvention CenterConvention Location
2002June 26–29Anaheim Hilton and MarriottAnaheim, California
2003June 18–21Atlanta Marriott, Hyatt, and HiltonAtlanta, Georgia
2004June 23-26Marriott World CenterOrlando, Florida
2005June 22-25Gaylord Opryland HotelNashville, Tennessee
2006June 21-24Anaheim Hilton and MarriottAnaheim, California
2007June 20-23Marriott World CenterOrlando, Florida
2008June 18-21Adam’s Mark HotelDallas, Texas
2009June 24-27Gaylord Opryland HotelNashville, Tennessee
2010June 23-26Disney's Coronado Springs ResortOrlando, Florida
2011June 22-25Hilton AnaheimAnaheim, California
2012June 20-23Disney's Coronado Springs ResortOrlando, Florida
2013June 26-30Gaylord Opryland HotelNashville, Tennessee
2014Jun 25-28Disney's Coronado Springs ResortOrlando, Florida
2015June 24-27Hilton AnaheimAnaheim, California
2016June 22-25Gaylord Opryland HotelNashville, Tennessee
2017June 21=24Disney's Coronado Springs ResortOrlando, Florida
2018June 27-30Dallas Convention CenterDallas, Texas
2019June 19-22Disney's Coronado Springs ResortOrlando, Florida
2020June 24-27Houston Convention CenterHouston, Texas
2021June 23-26Disney's Coronado Springs ResortOrlando, Florida
2022June 22-25Gaylord Hotel and Convention CenterNashville, Tennessee
2023June 21-24Dallas Convention CenterDallas, Texas
2024June TBDTBATBA
2025June 18-21Gaylord Hotel and Convention CenterNashville, Tennessee
2026June 24-27Dallas Convention CenterDallas, Texas

Competitive events

HOSA offers 58 competitive events, ranging from skill-based to leadership and team-based. Members compete at the regional, state, and international levels. Those who place in the top three positions at the state level are given the opportunity to compete at the international level.
Health Science Events: Dental Terminology, Medical Spelling, Medical Terminology**, Medical Math, Medical Reading**, KT – Behavioral Health, KT – Health Career Exploration **, KT – Human Growth and Development, KT – Medical Law and Ethics, KT – Nutrition**, KT – Pharmacology, KT – Pathophysiology, KT – Transcultural Healthcare.
Health Professions Events: Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Nursing, Clinical Specialty, Dental Science, Home Health Aide, Medical Assisting, Medical Assisting Fillable Form – Skill II, Medical Assisting Fillable Form – Skill III, Nursing Assisting, Personal Care*, Pharmacy Science, Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Veterinary Science, Emergency Preparedness Events, CERT Skills, CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Technician, Epidemiology, Life Support Skills *, MRC Partnership, Public Health**.
Leadership Events: Extemporaneous Health Poster**,Extemporaneous Writing, Health Career Photography, Healthy Lifestyle**, Interviewing Skills*, Job Seeking Skills, Prepared Speaking**, Researched Persuasive Writing and Speaking, Speaking Skills*/**,
Teamwork Events, Biomedical Debate, BD Contact Cards, Community Awareness, Creative Problem Solving, Forensic Science, Health Career Display**, Health Education**, HOSA Bowl, HB Contact Cards, Existing Medical Innovation, Original Medical Innovation, Parliamentary Procedure, Public Service Announcement.
Recognition Events: Barbara James Service Award**, HOSA Happenings**, Healthcare Issues Exam, HOSA Service Project**, Outstanding HOSA Achievement, Outstanding HOSA Chapter Middle School, Outstanding HOSA Chapter Secondary and Postsecondary / Collegiate, HOSA Week Proclamation, HOSA Week Ideas, Outstanding HOSA Leader, MRC Volunteer Recognition.
**These events have a middle school division