On Oct. 13, PLHS HOSA members took a trip to Metropolitan Community College to get a taste of different careers in healthcare. HOSA is an international student organization that works to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry. It helps high school students understand healthcare and develop effective leadership skills and qualities.
The HOSA conference held at MCC explored different occupations and colleges in countless professions and majors. Monarch HOSA advisor Mrs. Katie Krieger recommended this event for anyone interested in the health field.
“You get a lot of exposure from different colleges and their opportunities,” Krieger said. “They help teach you more about different health topics and give you ideas of what you may want to do later in life.”
While attending the conference students investigated different health careers by participating in breakout rooms. Each breakout had new ideas and new activities. Junior Peyton Robinson was introduced to a new career and worked hands-on with a practice mannequin.
“In one of the rooms I learned about Respiratory Therapists,” Robinson said. “I got to intubate a dummy patient.”
Sophomore Anna Jenson received a full breakdown of different careers in the healthcare industry. In one of her breakout sessions, Jenson learned about what education is required for certain jobs, what their earning potentials are, and additional facts about rewarding careers in the health field.
“My favorite breakout room was probably ‘Whose Job is it Anyway,’” Jenson said. “I learned a lot and it was really interesting.”
As a high school student interested in healthcare, there are numerous reasons to attend the MCC HOSA conference. Jenson has been involved with the club for only two and a half months and already has learned so much about the healthcare field, while also enjoying it.
“You do a lot of fun things at the MCC conference,” Jenson said. “And they give out a lot of free stuff.”
The Metro Community College HOSA experience made learning and preparing for your future fun. It allowed students to be hands-on and more aware of their opportunities.
“HOSA is really cool and it really sets you up for your career,” Robinson said.“ “Everyone needs to join it.”
