Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is an organization for students in grades eight to 12 wanting to enter the medical field.  

     HOSA members work on and off campus to participate in medical activities. They also work with other clubs and organizations to practice certain medical procedures, such as the annual blood donation drive.

     “We hope to work with the CNA [Certified Nursing Assistant program] to be more involved in their blood drives,” HOSA vice president Jiya Patel said. “We want to keep doing more competitions, because we have some people who are really good. They could probably qualify for regional and state.”

     To prepare for special events and competitions that occur later in the year, HOSA is trying to recruit more members.

     “The biggest thing we’re working on is growing the club and making it a membership-type thing for competition this year,” historian Helen Piris said.

     Members in the club enjoy competing and working together on medical activities.

     “It’s a really fun way to explore sciences and [learn] more about things like medicine and nursing,” Patel said.

     With new members joining HOSA, current members reflect on their reasons for initially joining the club.

     “I joined HOSA because I intend to have a future in healthcare, so it just gives me the experience,” freshman Brittany Dent said.