HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health occupations education programs. HOSA is 100% health care!

Since its inception in 1976, HOSA has grown steadily reaching 67,469 students through thirty-six (36) affiliated state associations with involvement in three (3) unaffiliated states and 2,086 chapters in the 2001-02 membership year.

HOSA is not a club to which a few students in school join. Rather, HOSA is a powerful instructional tool that works best when it is integrated into the HOE curriculum and classroom. HOE instructors are committed to the development of the total person. Those who join the HOE-HOSA Partnership recognize the importance of providing students with training far beyond the basic technical skills needed for entry into the health care field. The rapidly changing health care system needs dedicated workers who, in addition to their technical skills, are people-oriented and capable of playing a leadership or followership role as a member of a health care team.

HOSA's mission is especially critical when considering the acute shortage of qualified workers for the health care industry. It is essential that the HOE-HOSA Partnership maintain its momentum and encourage all HOE instructors to integrate HOSA into their curriculum and classrooms.

Activities and procedures within Health Occupations Students of America are governed by the philosophy of simple fairness to all. Therefore, the policy of National HOSA is that all operations will be performed without regard to race, sex, color, national origin or handicap. HOSA is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.