By Kayla Edwards

Health Occupations Students of America, or HOSA, is a global organization that gives students across the country opportunities to experience and learn about career opportunities in the health industry. HOSA encourages students to become involved in health science disciplines. The program began in 1976 and has since grown to the successful organization it is now. HOSA has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. Today, HOSA contains over 260,000 members and spans across several countries.

At Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS), Dr. Kehoe, who teaches the Biotechnology Academy and coaches the girls’ tennis team, runs a HOSA chapter. Members of HOSA can expect to experience a unique program that teaches leadership skills and introduces them to real healthcare careers. First, members must choose a category to compete in. Members will spend many hours preparing for a test on this category, and if they score well, they move on to the competition stage. The categories include Behavioral Health, Medical Math, Medical Terminology, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Sports Medicine, CPR/First Aid, and many more. A 100-question multiple choice test including a free response tie breaker question is given (a different test per category), and the highest scoring members will qualify to advance to the competition. There, members will partake in events specific to their category, such as presentations. 

Nicholas Storm, a senior at PVHS, placed seventh internationally at the HOSA competition in Houston, TX, last year, and is currently the Chapter President. Storm competed in the biotechnology category where he had to memorize around ten pages of lab procedures and perform in front of a panel of judges. “The competitions are stressful with the competition going on and awaiting placing,” Storm said. Storm recalled studying from the provided textbooks, some over 700 pages long. Although participating in HOSA is hard work, Storm has wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and joining HOSA has “resolved” his decision to do so. Storm commented, “My favorite part about HOSA is definitely the competing. It is a great feeling walking on stage receiving a medal and knowing that your preparation beat out dozens of other very intelligent competitors.” There are currently 54 members in the HOSA club at PVHS this year. Members have already taken their qualifying tests and gotten back results. This year, the HOSA competition is being hosted in Nashville, TN. Members are still early in their HOSA journey this year. 

Graphic done by Ryder Navarra