By Emma Meinen
HOSA, or Health Occupation Students of America, is a career and technical student organization for students planning to pursue health professions. These health professions have a wide range and include dentistry, doctors and nurses, cosmetic surgeries, different therapy types, and so much more. HOSA actively promotes career opportunities in the health industry and it’s one of its many goals to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA promotes the health professions and ensures that future health professionals are prepared for college and their health profession of choice.
HOSA at Delavan Darien High School has only been around for two years but is going strong. The advisor, Mrs. Brianna Slocum who also works as the athletic trainer at Delavan and Mercy, chose to become the advisor for this year for the first time and has many ideas for the future of HOSA at Delavan.
You might be asking yourself, why would I want to join HOSA? Well, besides just setting yourself up for further success in college and your job in the healthcare field, there are some other wonderful benefits and opportunities. For example, there are several competitions with six different categories to choose from, including, health science, health professions, emergency preparedness, leadership, teamwork, and recognition events. These competitions motivate HOSA members to improve their knowledge and skills while also allowing them to showcase their academic knowledge and skills in health science.
Many guest speakers come to talk to Delavan HOSA members as well. For example, a woman came to DDHS to talk to HOSA members about the Open Arms Free Clinic in Elkhorn Wisconsin. She also talked about Open Arms’ Junior Board which is open to high school students year-round, focusing on summer months, and also talked about potential job shadowing opportunities. HOSA also had the opportunity to speak with someone in the radiology field to see more about what radiology looks like in the healthcare field. Additionally, HOSA members will hopefully be learning how to successfully do CPR and how to tape an injury, as this is what Mrs. Slocum does as the athletic trainer at DDHS.
To be a part of HOSA is to be a part of an organization that sets you up for success in the future and allows you to be a leader in your school. Anyone from any grade is welcome to join HOSA.
For more information email Brianna Slocum at bstein@ddschools.org.