Since its founding in 1976, HOSA has expanded to include over 200,000 members. A thorough program
of competitions, training, growth, recognition, scholarships, and partnerships is offered to HOSA members.
The group's mission is to train future health professionals in technical and leadership skills. Some highlights
of their program include:
- HOSA is 100% healthcare and concentrates every aspect of its mission and resources on this employment sector.
- Illinois HOSA offers 53 healthcare industry endorsed competitive events; they are utilized throughout the academic year as instructional resources.
- HOSA’s Competitive Events Program includes four events specifically designed for students with disabilities.
- Chapters are modeled like small learning communities where students hold meetings and work as a team to develop a business plan of action that
includes career exploration and development, community service, and activities that promote effective leadership.
- The National Healthcare Foundation Standards are used to establish rubrics to evaluate student performance in the competitive events program.
HOSA uses awards and recognition in the same manner that the healthcare sector identifies "outstanding employees".
- HOSA is endorsed by the Health Science Education division of ACTE and the US Department of Education.
HOSA's programs include continuing education and development in health sciences from secondary school to secondary school to high school and graduates.
HOSA's chapter model also allows chapter-based chapters to simultaneously undertake HOSA experience at a secondary or post-secondary institution, after
which the student will work as an intern and/or entry-level medical profession on a chapter-based basis.