HOSA club offers jump start into medical careers

While FFA, FCCLA, and NHS are familiar to most, HOSA is an organization at Morgan High School that not many know about. In context, HOSA stands for “Health Occupation Students of America”. The purpose of the club is to provide future health professionals a jump start on their medical careers. In doing so, the Morgan chapter of HOSA participates in a variety of events throughout the year. They go on campus tours, meet with medical professionals for advice and networking opportunities, explore/identify areas of interest in medicine, compete in events and competitions, and deepen their passion for the health care field of study. 

“Students who desire or feel that they have the potential to excel in medicine or healthcare of any kind should consider joining HOSA,” commented Michael Ard, Science teacher and advisor of the Morgan chapter. “HOSA exposes them to so many people and places. Opportunities to network and get started on their medical careers are frequent and will benefit them greatly in their future.” The advisors would like to emphasize that whether or not members are actively participating each week, they are always invited and welcome to attend at any time.

In addition to Ard, the MHS chapter of HOSA is also advised by Health teacher Kelly Toomer. This year they had a total of fourteen members ranging from sophomores to seniors. All grades are welcome to join. These students are interested in a variety of health care careers such as radiology, dentistry, nursing, and sports medicine to name a few. Traditionally HOSA meets every other Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m., but they also meet during or after school if there are opportunities for guest speakers or field trips to campuses and/or job sites. The majority of the meetings take place in either Mr. Ard’s or Mrs. Toomer’s classroom. Toward the middle of the school year, the members meet weekly to prepare for their upcoming state competitions in March. 

According to Ard, “HOSA’s two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. We do this by encouraging those who are curious about healthcare careers to continue exploring, solidifying the passions of those who feel they are meant for a healthcare career, and equipping all with knowledge and resources to be successful in their educational pursuits after high school.”λ