UNMC will host the State Leadership Conference for the Nebraska HOSA – Future Health Professionals organization March 21-22, welcoming approximately 300 high school students from across the state of Nebraska.
HOSA is a high school and post-secondary student organization for those who are interested in a career in health care. It is similar to Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, or Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, and it is sanctioned by the Nebraska Department of Education. (HOSA used to stand for Health Occupations Students of America, but in 2004 the organization opted to change their name to HOSA: Future Health Professionals.)
During the two-day event at the Sorrell Center and at other locations on campus, the mostly junior and senior students will be competing in events such as “Basic Life Support,” “First Aid,” “EMT,” “Medical Photography” and “Nursing Skills.”
Those students who don’t compete in events will be given the opportunity to attend workshops and participate in community service activities. Students also will have an opportunity to talk with representatives from all of the UNMC colleges during the Healthcare Expo on March 21.
“Having so many students from across the state of Nebraska on campus is a wonderful way to expose them to the variety of health care careers available and to show case the UNMC campus,” said Heidi Kaschke, program coordinator for the UNMC High School Alliance and one of the organizers for the event.
UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., will welcome the students on the first day, and Sue Nuss, Ph.D., interim chief nursing officer at Nebraska Medicine, will give the keynote address.