BEHIND every future healthcare professional is preparation that starts early. The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club plays an important role in helping students prepare for careers in healthcare. The club focuses on leadership development, hands-on experience, and learning skills that apply to the real world. At Kearns High School, HOSA gives students the opportunity to explore health science careers outside of the classroom. HOSA advisor, Misty Morrow, explains how the club benefits students who are interested in the medical field and want to gain experience early on.
HOSA helps students understand possible career paths better in many ways. Students are able to meet others who share the same interests and become more involved in leadership opportunities. According to Morrow, joining HOSA can help students feel more motivated and connected. “When students join they can benefit from meeting other students with the same interests, and become more involved leadership wise,” Morrow said.
BEING exposed to healthcare careers at a young age helps students figure out what areas of medicine interest them most. Even students who are unsure about pursuing healthcare can benefit from joining. One member shared, “I feel like HOSA has caused me to seek out different healthcare careers in what I’d like, but it’s nice being around a ton of like-minded people. It really helps enlighten you about what possible careers you could go into.”
THE club also teaches skills that students may not always learn in a regular classroom. Members take part in service projects such as hosting blood drives, making blankets for homeless shelters, and helping with community events. These activities help students learn teamwork and responsibility.
“WHEN students work together, it definitely helps build their confidence. When you’re in a classroom you can sort of just sit in the corner, HOSA helps these students stay involved and more confident,” Morrow explained. Working with others pushes students to communicate and participate more actively. Students say this hands-on involvement makes learning about healthcare more exciting than simply sitting in class. Through competitions, interactive activities, and real-world experiences, members are able to actively practice skills instead of only reading about them.
ANOTHER key part of HOSA is how it prepares students for college and future jobs. Through networking and leadership roles, students learn how to act professionally and work with others in real-world situations. Morrow shared that HOSA allows students to meet medical professionals and learn more about different careers in healthcare. These experiences help students build confidence, leadership, and problem-solving skills that will be useful in any career.
OVERALL, HOSA gives students a chance to grow, learn, and prepare for the future. For incoming freshmen or students who may not know about the club, it can be a great way to explore healthcare careers and gain important life skills. Students interested in healthcare are encouraged to look into HOSA and consider joining to see how it can help them succeed.
