STA’s HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter and nine other MIssouri schools were recognized for their service projects at the 43rd HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) in late June at the virtual event due to COVID-19. HOSA – Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, is an international career and technical student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE.
HOSA–Future Health Professionals is the largest international organization operating in schools for students enrolled in health science and biomedical sciences programs and serving those interested in pursuit of careers in health and biomedical professions. HOSA’s purpose is to develop leadership and technical competencies through a program of motivation, awareness and recognition which is an integral part of the instruction. This student-led organization provides opportunities for students to practice and refine their academic, technical, leadership, and teamwork skills to achieve seamless transition from education to careers.
Over 8,390 health science students, advisors, government and private sector leaders, judges, exhibitors, and presenters gathered virtually to compete, learn, network, and celebrate HOSA’s 43rd Annual ILC with members from across the United States, Canada, and China. Delegates took advantage of seven exciting general sessions, various workshop presentations, over 80 exhibits from companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations. The Opening Session featured a special message from the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams and keynote speaker, Barbara Pierce Bush.
In 2019-2020, HOSA membership had its 36th consecutive year of growth with 249,113 members in 5,140 chapters across 49 state associations, and District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Canada, and China, with 55% ethnic diversity. Since 1976, HOSA has served 2.5 million students interested in pursuing careers in health. HOSA is the vital pipeline for the health industry—an industry that is projected to add nearly 4 million jobs between 2016-2026.