What is HOSA?
HOSA is an international organization for future health professionals. Formerly known as the Health Occupation Students of America, HOSA encourages its members to explore the medical field through service, professional development, and collaboration.
About HOSA
HOSA-Future Health Professionals was conceived by six charter states (AL, NJ, NM, NC, OK, TX) at the organizing meeting in Cherry Hill, NJ in November 1975. HOSA was officially organized at a Constitutional Convention held in Arlington, TX in 1976. Attendees at the convention included state supervisors, state advisors, teachers and over 300 student leaders. The career and technical student organization (CTSO) was focused on limited supportive nursing, dental, medical and related programs in health careers approved by a State Department of Education.
International HOSA is now comprised of 54 states, territories, and countries.
Arkansas HOSA became a Chartered Association of International HOSA in 1984.
The experiences students gain through HOSA go beyond the curriculum, focusing on our four core values: Learn, Lead, Serve, Innovate.
Many of our student members are enrolled in secondary (9-12) career and technical education health science classes, with programs of study in nursing services, sports medicine, pharmacy technician, and medical skills and services.
Membership is not limited to students enrolled in those courses though. HOSA has membership categories for health professionals, teachers, college students, and to all students in grades 6-12 who are interested in health careers.
During the 2022-2023 school year there were over 5,300 chapters and 260,000+ members in International HOSA!
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There were 60 Chapters with 2,630 members in Arkansas HOSA during the 2022-2023 school year, the largest membership in state history.
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Purpose and Mission
The purpose of HOSA-Future Health Professionals is to develop leadership and technical HOSA skill competencies through a program of motivation, awareness and recognition, which is an integral part of the Health Science Education instructional program.
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​The mission of HOSA is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience.
Core HOSA Values
Learning: We are committed to learning and becoming respected, knowledgeable and skilled health professionals. We will respect the experiences and contributions of our teachers, peers and patients and seek to learn from them.
Leadership: We will serve as role models in our academic program, profession and community. We will be ethical, accountable and trustworthy. We will use our influence to empower others to strive for excellence.
Service: We are dedicated to serving others with compassion. We believe that individuals are important, and we will treat everyone with respect and care.
Innovation: We are dedicated to enriching the lives of others. We will continuously seek the knowledge and skills to address challenges and improve the health professions.