OUR PILLARS

BUILD • EMPOWER • ADVANCE • CONNECT

DC HOSA is built on four foundational pillars that guide everything we do. These pillars represent our commitment to developing well-rounded future health professionals who are skilled, confident, career-ready, and connected to their community.

BUILD: Skills & Knowledge

Developing Healthcare Competencies Through Hands-On Learning

The BUILD pillar focuses on helping students develop the technical skills, medical knowledge, and professional competencies they need to excel in healthcare careers.

How We BUILD:

Competitive Events: Students prepare for and compete in 50+ healthcare skill events, from Medical Terminology to Emergency Medical Technician, gaining real-world experience and expertise
Workshops & Training: We host skill-building workshops throughout the year covering topics like vital signs, CPR certification, medical ethics, and patient communication
Preparation Resources: Members access study materials, practice tests, and mentorship from healthcare professionals to master complex healthcare concepts
Recognition Programs: Students who demonstrate excellence in skill development earn awards, scholarships, and recognition at our State Leadership Conference

Why It Matters: Healthcare requires continuous learning and skill refinement. Through the BUILD pillar, students gain a competitive edge and enter their careers with confidence and capability.

EMPOWER: Leadership & Growth

Cultivating Leaders Who Transform Healthcare

The EMPOWER pillar develops student leadership, self-confidence, and the soft skills essential for healthcare professionals—communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and advocacy.

How We EMPOWER:

State Officer Program: Students apply and campaign for state leadership positions, developing public speaking, strategic planning, and organizational management skills
Chapter Leadership: Every chapter offers officer positions where students plan events, manage budgets, and lead their peers
Leadership Conferences: Our Fall Leadership Conference, Mid-Winter Leadership Conference, and State Leadership Conference provide intensive leadership development and networking opportunities
Mentorship: Students connect with established healthcare professionals and HOSA alumni who guide their personal and professional growth
Advocacy Training: Members learn to advocate for health policy, patient rights, and community health needs

Why It Matters: Healthcare needs more than skilled technicians—it needs empowered leaders who can drive positive change, advocate for patients, and inspire others.

ADVANCE: Career Pathways

Opening Doors to Healthcare Careers

The ADVANCE pillar connects students with real-world career opportunities, helping them explore diverse healthcare paths and build the professional networks that will launch their careers.

How We ADVANCE:

Career Exploration: Through our partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations across DC, students explore careers from physicians to public health administrators to biomedical engineers
Shadowing & Internships: We facilitate connections between students and healthcare professionals for job shadowing, internships, and mentorship opportunities
Professional Development: Students practice resume writing, interviewing, and professional networking at HOSA events
Scholarship Opportunities: We connect members with healthcare scholarships and highlight academic opportunities at universities and healthcare programs
Industry Partnerships: Our DC HOSA 100 Advisory Board connects students directly with decision-makers in DC's healthcare community

Why It Matters: Students need exposure to the full spectrum of healthcare careers and guidance on pathways to reach their goals. The ADVANCE pillar ensures no student's potential goes unrealized due to lack of opportunity or information.

CONNECT: Community & Service

Building Networks and Serving Our Community

The CONNECT pillar emphasizes service to others and the power of community. Healthcare is fundamentally about connection—to patients, to colleagues, and to the communities we serve.

How We CONNECT:

Community Service Projects: Chapters organize health fairs, wellness screenings, health education campaigns, and disease awareness initiatives throughout DC
National Service Partnership: DC HOSA participates in HOSA's partnership with Be The Match/National Marrow Donor Program, educating about bone marrow donation and saving lives
Peer Community: Students build lifelong friendships with peers who share their passion for healthcare through chapter meetings, conferences, and social events
Alumni Network: We're building connections between current students and DC HOSA alumni who've gone on to successful healthcare careers
Healthcare Partner Network: Through our partnerships, students connect with hospitals, clinics, universities, and healthcare organizations across the DMV region