For years, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) has been one of the largest and most successful clubs offered at Middleton High School (MHS). The 2024-25 school year was no different, with the chapter boasting around 150 members and an astounding 104 state qualifiers.
Founded in 1976, HOSA is an internationally recognized student organization that has expanded to include several other countries outside of the US, including Canada and Mexico. HOSA aims to prepare students for careers in healthcare through several rounds of competition. During these competitive events, the development of skills, teamwork and leadership necessary for success in the medical industry are fostered and honed.
HOSA competitions are designed to help students develop and showcase their skills in healthcare through a variety of events. These events can be categorized into four major competitions: health science, leadership events, team events and knowledge based events. Students may complete written exams, hands-on demonstrations, presentations and debates.
Competitions take place at three different levels: local, state and national, where students can advance through each level based on their performances, which are judged by real healthcare professionals. At competitions, students develop practical skills such as CPR and first aid, get the chance to meet real experts and learn how to prepare, practice and perform under pressure.
Middleton HOSA has seen incredible success and growth over the past couple of years. In 2023, 85 MHS HOSA students qualified for the state competition, with a total of 24 gold, 21 silver and 1 bronze medal finishers. Thirty-three members went even further and qualified for nationals. Additionally, Reya Khatri, one of their members, was elected as the Wisconsin HOSA Vice President, further testifying to the leadership abilities fostered within the club.
In 2024, Middleton HOSA had yet another incredible year, with a record 117 students qualifying for state competition. The club also had notable growth in past years: In 2022, 55 members qualified for state competition; fast-forward to 2025, and that number has almost doubled.
Not only is the club successful, but HOSA has also left a lasting impact on many students, helping them to develop professional and interpersonal skills such as public speaking and teamwork.
“HOSA has helped me develop time management skills and the ability to collaborate with my teammates,” said Jeffery Chang (9), a first-time state competitor. “It’s also just a fun thing to do with your friends and helps you develop skills that can be used later in your life.”
Middleton HOSA has also had a profound impact on the local community. For many years, the chapter has had an ongoing partnership with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), an organization that helps match patients with blood marrow donors.
MHS HOSA continues to engage in fundraising efforts to grow this life saving program, highlighting HOSA’s commitment to making a lasting impact in the healthcare community.
This year, the 104 members who qualified for the state competition will compete for a spot at nationals at the Kalahari Resort and Conventions Center from April 14-16.
