As new students move towards adulthood and are forced to make a career decision, joining the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) is an open opportunity for any student who wants to pursue the medical field.
HOSA, a national organization first developed in 1976, allows students to experience the world of professional medicine first hand.
“Students will learn a skill or several skills,” said sponsor and health science teacher Pamela Moore. “There are about forty career pathways like dentistry, respiratory therapy, and sports medicine.”
Each year, students will have the opportunity to take these skills to local competition, regionals in Chattanooga or Nashville, and then the international competition in Orlando, Florida.
“It’s been a big part of high school for me,” said club president Avery Hommel. “It’s helped me find what I want to do and give me people to work towards that with.”
While students may develop skills in any area of healthcare they wish, they are also encouraged to join the organization to experience the value of teamwork that makes the medical field move.
“[My favorite part is] the big smiles on their faces when they are competing and they never had before,” said Moore.