HOSA-Future Health Professionals is a Career and Technical Student Organization for students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs. Its Competitive Events Program recognizes the skills members build through Health Science and Biomedical Science classes, related job training, and HOSA activities.
Event categories (2026–2027 guidelines):
| Category | Example events |
|---|---|
| Health Science | Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Medical Law & Ethics |
| Health Professions | Clinical Nursing, Dental Science, Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine |
| Emergency Preparedness | CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Technician, Epidemiology, Public Health |
| Leadership | Health Career Photography, Prepared Speaking, Interviewing Skills |
| Teamwork | Biomedical Debate, Creative Problem Solving, HOSA Bowl, Forensic Science |
| Academic Testing Center | Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Microbiology, General Chemistry |
| Recognition | HOSA Service Project, Health Literacy Ambassador, HOSA Happenings |
The Middle School division has its own events, such as Foundations of Medical Terminology and Health Career Exploration. Full event guidelines are on the HOSA guidelines page.
Divisions (as defined in the 2026–2027 General Rules and Regulations, rule 11):
- Middle School: students in grades 6–8
- Secondary: students in grades 9–12
- Postsecondary/Collegiate: undergraduate students in community college or college-level programs
Members must compete in the division they belong to.
How competitors reach ILC:
HOSA's chartered associations offer the Competitive Events Program at the regional, area, state, and/or country level. Besides US states, HOSA has chartered associations in US territories and in some other countries; see the chartered associations list. Each association may send up to three competitors or teams per event per division to the International Leadership Conference (ILC), with exceptions for Recognition and Academic Testing Center events. Who qualifies is set by each association's policy. At ILC, a member may enter only one regular competitive event. These rules are in the 2026–2027 General Rules and Regulations (rules 1, 2, and 6).
ILC 2027:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | June 22–25, 2027 |
| Venue | Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA |
ILC includes competitive events focused on leadership, professional, and technical skills, along with HOSA's annual business meeting, educational seminars and workshops from healthcare partners, and recognition events.
Membership (see hosa.org/membership):
Students join through a HOSA chapter at their high school, technical school, community college, or university; individual memberships are not available. Students not enrolled in a health science program may join an existing chapter as associate members. If a school has no chapter, students can work with a health career instructor or faculty advisor to start one.
About HOSA:
HOSA has been active since 1976 and is recognized by the US Department of Education (About HOSA).