HOSA, formerly called the Health Occupations Students of America, more recently renamed to HOSA – Future Health Professionals, is an international student organization that focuses on career and technical preparation for students who plan on entering the health industry. As stated in their mission statement, they “…[want] to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience.”

   HOSA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science division of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).

   HOSA is headquartered in Arlington, Texas and boasts a vast membership of 200,000 secondary, postsecondary, and collegiate students as well as adults worldwide. It has many chartered associations that share a common goal but operate independently under its banner, such as the Florida HOSA. 

   It is also one of the newest clubs to call Newsome its home.

   “HOSA plans bring kids together who share common interest in the health field, by establishing a community in which they can all thrive,” says Sebastian Diaz, Secretary of the HOSA club at Newsome.

   Diaz compared HOSA to Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) or Future Farmers of America (FFA) in its structure, helping its members apply learned classroom concepts in a competitive setting, ultimately preparing them for their future careers in the healthcare industry, medical school, and beyond. Diaz adds, “By building off each other, we plan to have Newsome participate in HOSA competitions, with our mind set on making States.”

   The Florida HOSA 2023 competitive event guidelines list 82 competitive events, placing focus on both individual competitors and team-building events. The events offered span a variety of fields, such as Health Science, Emergency Preparedness, and Leadership.  These are further subdivided into smaller individual events such as Medical Math, CPR/First Aid, and Extemporaneous Speaking.

   HOSA at Newsome is sponsored by Ms. Littleton and dues are $45. “It’s a great club to join for any student, even if they don’t want to go into the medical field,” says Liz Golinder, Vice President.