Health students gear up for HOSA

EVIT health students trekked over to the auditorium today to learn how they could get involved in their student organization, travel to workshops and participate in competitions.

Health student fees include a membership to the Arizona chapter of HOSA, the Health Occupations Students of America. As part of that membership, students can choose to attend regional and state workshops, and they'll have a shot at competing at the national conference, held in Orlando in June.

First up is a conference at the Phoenix Convention Center on Nov. 6, where members can attend sessions on leadership and informational meetings on specific healthcare fields, as well as gather information on how to compete and win at the national conference. Get more details on the conferences here.

Competition topics run the gamut. Students can choose from health profession events, such as specific events for biotechnology, dental assisting or sports medicine. They can show off their leadership skills through speech, writing, or poster design competitions. And they can sign up for emergency preparedness events, recognition events, and teamwork competitions.

The group also will team up to raise money for Autism Speaks, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research for the causes, treatments and prevention of autism. Last year's EVIT HOSA group raised more than $2,700 for the cause.

Good luck this year, HOSA students!