HOSA'S Mission, Purpose, and Core Values

Mission

The mission of HOSA is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience.

Purpose

The purpose of HOSA-Future Health Professionals is to develop leadership and technical HOSA skill competencies through a program of motivation, awareness and recognition, which is an integral part of the Health Science Education instructional program.

Core Values

We value learning. We are committed to learning and becoming respected, knowledgeable and skilled health professionals. We will respect the experiences and contributions of our professors, peers and patients and seek to learn from them.

We value leadership. We will serve as role models in our academic program, profession and community. We will be ethical, accountable and trustworthy. We will use our influence to empower others to strive for excellence.

We value service. We are dedicated to serving others with compassion. We believe that individuals are important, and we will treat everyone with respect and care.

We value innovation. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of others. We will continuously seek the knowledge and skills to address challenges and improve the health professions.

What is LSU HOSA?

LSU HOSA is the collegiate chapter of HOSA-Future Health Professionals, a global student-led organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and several other federal and state agencies. HOSA’s mission is to empower students to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and hands-on experience. The organization promotes career opportunities in healthcare, enhances the delivery of quality care, and prepares students to meet the growing demands of the health industry.

HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition for students enrolled in health science and biomedical programs or pursuing healthcare careers. Since its founding in 1976, HOSA has grown to over 260,000 members worldwide. LSU HOSA combines this global mission with local impact—offering competitions, volunteer opportunities, mentorship programs, and partnerships with healthcare organizations to equip members with the technical skills, leadership abilities, and real-world experience necessary to succeed in healthcare professions.

HOSA History

HOSA was first conceived in the 1960s and 70s by visionary Health Occupations Education (HOE) leaders who recognized the growing need for a student organization focused on health careers. Initial efforts included state-level associations in Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina, Alabama, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, which led to the formation of a national planning committee in 1974. On November 4‑7, 1975, representatives from six charter states met in New Jersey to officially form a national organization, originally called the American Health Occupations Education Student Organization (AHOESO). The following year, at the Constitutional Convention in Arlington, Texas, the organization adopted the name Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), established its bylaws, elected its first national officers, and selected official colors, emblem, and motto.

The first National HOSA Conference was held in Oklahoma City in 1978, featuring competitive events such as speaking contests and job interviews. During its early years, HOSA expanded rapidly, chartering new state associations, establishing a national management structure, and gaining formal recognition from the U.S. Department of Education in 1977. By the early 1980s, HOSA had secured 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, incorporated as HOSA, Inc., and developed a competitive events program that would grow into the six categories of events recognized today: Health Science, Health Professions, Emergency Preparedness, Leadership, Teamwork, and Recognition.

HOSA has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the healthcare industry. In 2004, the organization expanded its mission to include all students interested in health professions and officially adopted the name HOSA-Future Health Professionals. LSU’s HOSA chapter was established in 2024 and quickly gained over 200 members in its first year, offering students at LSU leadership development, hands-on skill-building, and pathways into healthcare careers while continuing HOSA’s long-standing tradition of excellence in health science education.

Contact Us

Chapter Email: thelsuhosa@gmail.com

If you need to contact officers use: lsuhosaOFFICER@gmail.com

Example: lsuhosapresident@gmail.com