The Health Occupations Students of America club, also known as HOSA, is a student-led international organization for middle school, high school and post-secondary students that are interested in going into the healthcare field after college. The club empowers future health professionals to become leaders in the medical field and prepare students for a career in healthcare. Starting in 1976, the club now has over 291,000 members across 55 chartered associations worldwide.  

“At HSE’s HOSA chapter, we host a variety of competitive events aimed at educating and preparing students for careers in healthcare. We regularly invite guest speakers from different medical fields to help members explore potential career paths,” Indiana HOSA President-Elect Yonathan Bezza said. “Additionally, we conduct informational sessions to assist students in preparing for the Indiana HOSA State Leadership Conference held every April. Through these competitive events, members gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills that will be directly applicable to their future careers.” 

HOSA gives students who are interested in a healthcare field a better understanding of what this job actually entails and the different steps that a student will need in order to fulfill this career. Along with the educational side of this club, it also provides the students with a community of other students that share the same interests as them to befriend.  

“[HOSA] fosters a strong sense of community among students who share similar interests,” Bezza said. “Whether it’s through teamwork in competitive events, rooming together at conferences, or attending educational symposiums, HOSA helps members build lasting friendships while growing academically and professionally.” 

HOSA is one of the most world-renowned competitive clubs. All club members work hard to prove their love and excitement for the healthcare community along with prioritizing relationships between all club members. “HOSA has created an environment where students can actively engage, work hard, and feel a sense of belonging,” Bezza said. “Seeing our members grow—whether through volunteering, networking, or preparing for competitions—has been an incredibly rewarding experience.” 

If students are interested in joining HOSA, they can email the club sponsor, Mrs. Manchess, at pmanchess@hse.k12.in.us, or stop by her room in F137 for more information.