HOSA, Future Health Professionals, opened their first chapter at Central last year. This organization introduces students to healthcare professions.
According to the HOSA website, the organization “actively promotes career opportunities in the health industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.”
Formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, Future Health Professionals– referred to as HOSA– is an international organization that focuses on introducing students to healthcare careers.
Sophomore Aanya Rangaiahgari, current president of HOSA, established the Central chapter. She opened the chapter last year, after discovering there was no club dedicated to aspiring healthcare workers. She said, “My passion for healthcare motivated me to create a space where others could explore this field, engage in meaningful discussions, and participate in hands-on activities.”
The Central Chapter aims to foster a constructive and educational environment for students to explore their interests in healthcare. They emphasize compassion, both in the healthcare field and to their community
Rangaiahgari said HOSA’s mission is focused on “helping others and learning about health professions. We want to create a caring environment where everyone could support each other. …We want to inspire each other to explore different healthcare careers and work together to achieve our goals.” HOSA aims to educate its members on all matters of healthcare, from diseases to compassion within the medical profession, through uplifting and challenging its members. HOSA members collaborate and encourage each other to broaden their horizons.
Christopher Brach, HOSA secretary, said, “…people interested in healthcare will have a space to interact with like-minded people.” Brach is planning on going into the mental health industry, and says healthcare deserves its own club.
Rangaiahgari said, “In most meetings, we go over competitive events and possible places for volunteering. We learn about different diseases, common and uncommon, that affect people and what is done to prevent them.”
Meetings are fun, and foster a tight-knit community amongst members, as well as provide education. Typical meetings include review games, studying, and other activities to engage members in learing about healthcare. There are many discussions on different diseases and goals for the club, such as volunteering.
In order to help foster education, the HOSA organization hosts state and national competitions pertaining to healthcare. There are a variety of topics covered, from General Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health, Career Development, and more. The HOSA organization states these competitions are to “motivate HOSA members to improve their knowledge and skills.”
Rangaiahgari states that competition is expected, as “it helps us learn and improve our skills.” These are unique opportunities, in which students can show off their skills, win awards, and meet other members of the organization.
Brach also said the club helps “more people realizing what healthcare field they want to pursue.”
Looking forward, the chapter aims to provide more volunteer opportunities. Rangaiahgari said, “Volunteering is a big part of our mission because we believe in helping our community.” She specifically hopes to work with the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s in the future.
All in all, HOSA is a great club to be involved in if you are interested in going into the healthcare field! They meet every other Thursday in room 3308. Join their Google Classroom (classroom code: syjbwtk) and follow them on Instagram (@champaigncentralhosa).
HOSA Executive Board (Left to right: Zach Pyo, Maya Aviram, Aanya Rangaiahgari, Megan Le, Christopher Brach, club sponsor David Ferge)
