Why is there a dramatic difference in the number of secondary HOSA members and postsecondary/collegiate members? Is it that postsecondary/collegiate students are unaware of HOSA? Perhaps postsecondary/collegiate students don t think they have time to participate in HOSA. Some students may even believe that HOSA does not have as much to offer at the postsecndary/collegiate levels.

HOSA teaches leadership, social, and teamworking skills required by most employers today. Employers are seeking qualified applicants that not only have the technical skills of their trade, but the professional skills learned through HOSA. In the Postsecondary/Collegiate Division, the programs offer you the knowledge and technical skills needed for your degree programs. Most programs do not have the time or funding to offer you the professional skills such as individual leadership and teaming skills developed through HOSA.

Participation in the competitive events program builds teaming skills, self-esteem, greater self-confidence, and the opportunity to conquer our fears. Participating in the National Recognition Program can teach good organizational skills. The program will develop the participant into a well-rounded individual. Many medical facilities today require you to amass a professional portfolio each time you advance up the clinical ladder, not unlike the portfolio you prepare through the National Recognition Program.

Most postsecondary/collegiate students are pursuing two to four year degrees and many are paying expensive tuition charges. HOSA offers scholarships on a national level as well as in many states, which can help fund continued education.

Participation in HOSA is essential to developing the skills employers are looking for, skills that will prepare HOSA members to be better supervisors, nurse managers, administrators, and valued team members. Although participation in HOSA does require "time", it is designed to co-exist with your academic course of study.

Several postsecondary/collegiate institutions do not have HOSA chapters. It is time to promote postsecondary/ collegiate membership. If current and past HOSA members were to join together, we could have a serious national impact. Over the lifetime of HOSA we have served over 643,000 members. There is strength in numbers and if we band together, we can convince our institutions that HOSA is not only needed, but desperately wanted!