What is HOSA - Future Health Professionals?

HOSA - Future Health Professionals, formally known as Health Occupations Students of America, is an international student-led organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education (HSE) Division of ACTE. HOSA's two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA's goal is to encourage all health science instructors and students to join and be actively involved in the HSE-HOSA Partnership. 

HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for middle school, secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have an interest in pursuing careers in health professions. HOSA is 100% health care!

HOSA is not a club to which a few students in school join. Rather, HOSA is a powerful instructional tool that works best when it is integrated into the HSE and health science-related curriculum and classroom. HSE instructors are committed to the development of the total person. Those who join the HSE-HOSA Partnership recognize the importance of providing students with training far beyond the basic technical skills needed for entry into the healthcare field. The rapidly changing healthcare system needs dedicated workers who, in addition to their technical skills, are people-oriented and capable of playing a leadership or followership role as a member of a health care team.

HOSA's mission is especially critical when considering the acute shortage of qualified workers for the healthcare industry. It is essential that the HSE-HOSA Partnership maintain its momentum and encourage all HSE instructors to integrate HOSA into their curriculum and classrooms.

Hawaiʻi HOSA's History

Hawaiʻi HOSA: Dedicated to a Healthy Hawaiʻi 

Hawaiʻi HOSA has come a long way ever since being officially recognized as a state association during the 2005-2006 school year. Our membership count has been increasing every year, from 210 members representing 13 chapters in 2006 to 4,768 members representing 43 chapters on 5 islands, with the middle school affiliation including 996 members from 7 chapters in 2024.  As one of the five Career and Technical Student Organizations in Hawaiʻi (HOSA, DECA, FCCLA, FFA, and SkillsUSA), Hawaiʻi HOSA provides opportunities for middle, secondary and postsecondary students to develop character and apply leadership skills within the context of the healthcare industry. It gives an avenue for students interested in health and medical careers to demonstrate their understanding of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are expected in such a demanding field. The mission of Hawaiʻi HOSA is to support and encourage students thirsting for knowledge, as well as produce individuals who will serve in the fight against illness and disease by entering the health professions. Hawaiʻi HOSA provides its members with outlets for creativity and leadership through service projects, competitive events, and leadership positions in their respective chapters.

The highlight of Hawaiʻi HOSA is the State Leadership Conference, where students from all the local chapters converge at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. Everyone comes with one thing in mind, to win 1st place in their competitive event.  They have been working meticulously on studying for their test, writing their speeches, creating their display boards, or editing their public service announcements. Others try to cram in a few more terms or concepts for their Knowledge Tests. Although the tension might be high at first, students are not only encouraged to interact with each other but also with the numerous health professionals who are also in attendance. Some of the health professional will teach about a topic during the educational symposium, which covers a wide spectrum of students’ interests in the medical field ranging from nursing to informatics to physical therapist to forensics.

At the International Leadership Conference, Hawaiʻi HOSA consistently produces Top 10 Finalists and Medalists. The Hawaiʻi delegation consists of the state officer team and the top three competitors in each of Hawaiʻi HOSA’s competitive events.

Hawaiʻi HOSA would not be where it is today without the support from Hawaiʻi Pacific Health and Hawaiʻi/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, and many more healthcare organizations.