The HOSA Chapter is actually a "leadership laboratory." In academic subjects, labs are used to test and reinforce scientific theories and principals. In health occupations programs, the HOSA chapter is the lab in which the chapter advisor can test and evaluate the student's ability to serve in future followership and leadership roles as a worker in the health care system.

Early studies determined that leadership in high school and college was "predictive of later leadership in adult business and social activities." It was further found "that leadership in extracurricular activities was more highly related to various criteria of adult success than were scholarship or academic achievement." In other words, "leadership rather than scholarship was the predictive of later leadership" (Base, 1981.) Why the enthusiasm and encouragement to integrate HOSA into the HOE classroom and curriculum? Active participation in a well-organized HOSA chapter works! The advantages are even greater when students access state and national HOSA programs, activities, and conferences. Leadership skills gained through active participation in a HOSA chapter are the first steps the HOE student takes toward success in adult life.