DC is a fast-growing HOSA organization, with members across our various schools. DC HOSA also received an award at the 2023 HOSA International Leadership Conference for a 96% increase in membership, gaining the second most percentage of members during the 2022-23 school year. We currently have 7 chapters with a total of 375 members!
Secondary Division
The Secondary Division shall be composed of secondary students who are or have been enrolled in a Health Science or an organized health career awareness program or are interested in, planning to pursue, or pursuing a career in the health professions.
The official definition for secondary members of HOSA for the purposes of Competitive Events is:
A secondary student is one who, (a) is enrolled in a state-approved Health Science program or is planning to pursue a career in the health professions; (b) has not received a high-school diploma (or its equivalent) prior to the state’s annual conference; or (c) has been within the continuous, sequential educational system for two or more years prior to the current year’s HOSA National Leadership Conference.
Middle School Division
The Middle School Division shall be composed of middle school students who are in grades 6-8 and are interested in or planning to pursue a career in the health professions.
The official definition for middle school members of HOSA for the purposes of Competitive Events is:
A middle school student is one who: a) is enrolled in a state-approved health science program or is planning to pursue a career in the health professions; and b) has not been promoted to a secondary institution (grades 9-12) prior to the state’s annual conference.
Professional
Advisor – The person(s) responsible for advising students on health science activities that relate to HOSA. They shall pay affiliation fees, but may not vote, hold office or compete for HOSA member awards.
Professional – (Other than HOSA Chapter Advisor) – These shall be health professionals and other adult members of the community who wish to assist and support the HOSA program of activities. They shall pay affiliation fees, but may not vote, hold office or compete for HOSA member awards.
Post-secondary/Collegiate Division
The Post secondary/Collegiate Division shall be composed of students enrolled in Health Science programs at the post-secondary/collegiate level as specified in Article III, Section 4 in the HOSA Bylaws.
The official definition for post-secondary members of HOSA for the purposes of Competitive Events is:
post-secondary student is one who (a) is enrolled in a state-approved post-secondary program or college level program; (b) has received a high-school diploma (or its equivalent) and/or has been out of the continuous, sequential educational system prior to the current Health Science enrollment for two or more years prior to the current year’s HOSA National Leadership Conference.
Even though adult students may be enrolled in a secondary program, they may not compete in secondary competition at the HOSA National Leadership Conference. When students satisfy one or more of the criteria of being postsecondary/collegiate students, they are to be classified as members of the postsecondary/collegiate division of HOSA.
The official definition for collegiate member of HOSA for the purposes of Competitive Events is:
A collegiate student is one who is seeking a baccalaureate degree.
IMPORTANCE OF BEING A MEMBER
Roles and Responsibilities
Being an effective member involves more than simply having one’s name on a HOSA Chapter membership roster. With the rights and privileges of membership come responsibilities. Those responsibilities are to oneself, others, and the organization. To carry these responsibilities, each member needs to communicate effectively and to be able to work with others.
Being A Good Member
Followership in itself is an art, the art of contributing in a group, to the achievement of common goals under the guidance of someone in a lead role. Followership skills can be developed. The Advisor needs to stress the importance of each member in the overall operation of the HOSA Chapter. Each member has a role to perform. Every time a member voices an opinion or takes part in a vote, he/she is exercising his/her role and developing skills needed to be a good follower, as well as a good employee.
If the teacher/Advisor had to select one ingredient for success, whether it be in education, career, or personal life in general, it would be attitude. A good attitude toward whatever task is at hand will always make a lasting impression on the students and on employers and fellow workers.
Responsibilities of a HOSA Member
Thus, in being a member of a HOSA Chapter, each student has numerous responsibilities, including to:
Become familiar with and knowledgeable about HOSA;
Attend and actively participate in all Chapter meetings and activities;
Volunteer services and talents to the benefit of the HOSA Chapter;
Accept responsibility, leading (e.g., a committee chair) and/or following (e.g., as a committee member) as may be necessary in various Chapter activities;
Represent HOSA in a positive manner, projecting a good image to the school and community;
Communicate effectively with other team members;
Take full advantage of the opportunities offered by all levels of HOSA;
Promote HOSA to the school and community.