Boise State University will host the 25th annual Idaho HOSA — Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference from March 11 to 13. The event is organized by Boise State’s HOSA chapter with support from the College of Health Sciences.
Gina Lyman, student leadership manager for the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education and state advisor for Idaho HOSA, said, “Idaho HOSA has spent 25 years empowering Idaho future health professionals to become leaders in the global community through education, collaboration and experience. HOSA is a premier Career Technical Student Organization, which has served future health care professionals around the world for 50 years.”
The conference is expected to bring together more than 1,100 high school students from across Idaho. Participants will compete in various events, attend leadership workshops, and explore healthcare careers over three days on Boise State’s campus. These activities are designed for students interested in pursuing careers related to healthcare.
Conference events are divided into five main categories: health science, health professions, emergency preparedness, leadership, and teamwork. Students will compete in areas such as pharmacology, clinical nursing, CPR and first aid, job-seeking skills, and health education. Top performers at this state-level event will advance to represent Idaho at the International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this summer.
Joelle Powers, dean of the College of Health Sciences at Boise State University stated: “The HOSA conference is an incredible way to support and foster Idaho student interest in healthcare careers. By bringing these high school students to campus we can not only orient them to campus life but showcase various disciplines and career track options available to them. We are so excited to have the opportunity to showcase the education and training they can receive that will help them launch into successful careers that make an impact on the health and well-being of our state.”
Alexis Black, a kinesiology major at Boise State who has been involved with HOSA since high school and served as a former state officer for Idaho HOSA said: “HOSA has enhanced my education by connecting classroom learning to real-world application. Through competitions and hands-on experiences, I have been able to test my knowledge, apply my skills in professional settings, and receive feedback from healthcare professionals.”
Leana Jack, president of Boise State’s HOSA chapter and kinesiology major commented: “Being part of HOSA in high school helped me develop leadership skills, gain hands-on exposure to healthcare-related skills, and connect with peers and professionals who shared similar career interests. That experience helped prepare me for both college and a future career in healthcare. HOSA has given me a strong sense of community by connecting me with students who share similar goals in healthcare and it has provided opportunities to grow as a leader outside of the classroom. Being part of HOSA has helped me feel more supported and confident as I navigate a challenging academic path.”
Delaney Walter-Horejs serves as vice president of Boise State’s HOSA chapter while studying nursing at Boise State. She said: “HOSA enhances my education by bridging the gap between classroom learning and personal and professional development. It reinforces the values of leadership, service, and growth in healthcare, and it continues to motivate me to become the best nurse and leader I can be.”
This year’s conference acknowledges its two title sponsors: Boise State’s College of Health Sciences along with Idaho State University’s College of Technology; platinum sponsors include Idaho State University Kasiska Division of Health Sciences; U.S. Army; U.S. Navy; Carrington College.
For further details about Boise State’s College of Health Sciences or about participating organizations like Idaho HOSA, contact information is available through their respective websites or via email.
