Chapter Advisor Resource Guide

The use of Quick Links for NEW HOSA Local Advisors and their chapter members will show the
HOSA State Advisor where information is located on the HOSA website. Using these quick links
when training the New HOSA Local Advisor will ensure that the chapter is being developed “The
HOSA Way.”

Who to Contact for Assistance:
Chartered Association State Advisor:
HOSA: 800.321.HOSA (4672)

The hyperlinks are listed as an introduction to HOSA-Future Health Professionals. Since HOSA
provides many resources to the HOSA Local Advisor, as the State Advisor you can select the
areas which accommodate the extent of training you share and the areas which the HOSA Local
Advisor can discover on his /her own time.

about

Mission The HOSA mission, Core Values and HOSA Creed shape and guide HOSA-Future Health Professionals.
History Understand how HOSA-Future Health Professionals evolved into the strong, 100% health related, and student-led organization it is today by reading the HOSA history pages.
Chartered Associations Learn how to contact the lead person associated with HOSA- Future Health Professionals in each state and country. Of utmost importance is YOUR Chartered Association!
HOSA International Executive Council Become virtually acquainted with the current HOSA International Executive Council (IEC). Local members can email the IEC members by clicking on the officer’s name.
HOSA Brand The HOSA brand establishes HOSA’s identify; therefore, it will be important to learn how to correctly use the HOSA brand; HOSA Patch; and current HOSA theme for chapter t-shirts or other printed items. For YOUR Chartered Association’s brand, contact YOUR State Advisor, who is also the individual who can answer questions you may have about using the HOSA brand.
HOSA Headquarters (HOSA Staff) Virtually meet the HOSA Staff prior to making contact with them. It is always nice to “put a face to the name” and to learn about the individual before meeting in-person or talking with an individual on the phone.

JOin

Affiliation packet Information required to affiliate (join) HOSA is detailed within this packet of information.
About Membership A brief description about each type of membership.
join HOSA The “how to” of affiliation.
membership Benefits Answers the question “What do I get for my membership fees (dues)?”
Membership Certificates Easy access to customizable certificates for members and chapters.
Member Certificate – Generates individual member certificates; great inclusion for the member’s portfolio.
HOSA 100 Club Certificate – Initial chapter membership must be submitted by October 15 of the current membership year.
HOSA 100% Affiliation Certificate – 100% of the health science or biomedical science students enrolled in the program are also HOSA members. What a great certificate to hang in the HOSA HSE classroom!

Classroom Activities & Lesson Ideas:

Virtual On-Demand Learning Opportunities (Updated for 2022-2023 A “Must Have” for all Local Advisors. Why create the wheel, especially in this time of virtual learning! 

Eleven Steps to Organizing the local HOSA chapter. Another “Must Have” resource!

The Eleven Steps are explained in-depth in the following entries.

Step One: Get to Know HOSA

Learn about HOSA-Future Health Professionals: Where to find information and organize your HOSA chapter.

What is CTE?
Not every individual serving as a HOSA Local Advisor will be familiar with Career & Technical Education (CTE). This video serves to introduce all HOSA Local Advisors to CTE.

Connect, Inspire and Engage Powerpoint

Extremely helpful information for the Local Advisor when introducing HOSA Future Health Professionals to prospective and new members and for the HOSA State Advisor in training new and experienced advisors.

HOSA Handbook Section A

HOSA basic information is contained in Section A of the HOSA Handbook, (HOSA Creed, colors, brand, etc.) in one concise location.

HOSA Publications

  • HOSA e-Magazine
  • HOSA & HOSA, Inc. Bylaws
  • HOSA Handbook
  • Policy & Procedures
  • Middle School Handbook
  • International Chapter Handbook
  • New Local Advisor Handbook
  • Postsecondary/Collegiate Handbook
  • Materials for Starting a Postsecondary/Collegiate Handbook

Explained in detail under Resources section of the HOSA website.

Introduction of HOSA Lesson Plan (Powerpoint)

Basic resource for use by the HOSA Local Advisor when introducing HOSA to the (prospective) chapter members and for the State Advisor when training New Local Advisors.

Step Two: Get Connected

Stay connected to your HOSA State Advisor and to other HOSA Local Advisors in your state, as well as keep you updated on Chartered Association HOSA events.

Find YOUR State Advisor Photo and contact information for the HOSA State Advisor.

Step Three: Recruit Students

Student recruitment videos and resources.

Video Library

Listing of all available HOSA videos to be used collectively or individually. (Think creatively on ways to make this fun!)

Sample Member Application

Use this resource to gather information prior to affiliating the student members and you’ll have the requested affiliation information (cell number; email; demographic information; etc.) in one location. Add this resource to your student files and you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips.

Sample Letter to Parents of Prospective Members

The student may be hyper-excited about joining HOSA and gaining parental support facilitates the HOSA experience. Include specific chapter details and continue communicating with the parents / guardians throughout the year.

BEST PRACTICE: Requesting parent / guardian contact information, especially an email, will facilitate the sharing of chapter information, including a
chapter newsletter if one is produced.

Sample Photo Release Form

Get permission before posting a member’s photo or using it for a publication. This could be sent with the Sample Letter to Parents of prospective Members.

Step Four: Affiliate

HOSA membership isn’t official until the chapter is affiliated. Using HOSA materials in the classroom does make your chapter affiliated. Before you use HOSA materials, it is important to affiliate.

Step Five: Develop Bylaws

Bylaws don’t have to be scary! This section will provide an introduction to bylaws and why bylaws are important. BEST PRACTICE: Each local HOSA chapter should send a copy of their Bylaws to the HOSA State Advisor.

Tips For Writing Bylaws

Simple and straight-forward explanation for writing Bylaws.

HOSA Bylaws

HOSA Bylaws as they pertain to student membership.

HOSA, Inc. Bylaws

Bylaws for HOSA-Future Health Professionals, the organization.

Sample Bylaws For Local Chapters

Sample Bylaws for the local chapter. Get the local officers and student members involved in the process.
Remember…HOSA is student-led and each voice counts.

Step Six: Role of the HOSA Advisor

Just as HOSA wouldn’t exist without students; Local Advisors are the backbone to the organization. This section will provide information about the role of the HOSA Local Advisor. THANK YOU for filling this important role of HOSA Local Advisor.

Commitment of a Local Advisor

Being a HOSA Local Advisor requires commitment and dedication to advising the student members in the many areas of leadership. We appreciate YOU!

Rules For HOSA Advisors

Helpful reminders of your role as a Local HOSA Advisor and job within the local chapter.

The HOSA Chapter Advisor

As a Local Chapter Advisor, ways to have a successful HOSA chapter are outlined.

Chapter Management

Learn how to help local chapter officers be more involved in local chapter meetings to ensure all local members are contributing ideas, talents and suggestions and active participates of the meeting.

Step Seven: Elect Officers

HOSA fosters leadership development. This section focuses on chapter officers and the election process.
BEST PRACTICE: Edit the documents to reflect the needs of the local HOSA chapter and its officer team leaders.

Officer Roles

Student members will want to run for office if they understand the role of each office. Share this resource as a way of teaching about leadership prior to the election process.

HOSA Chapter Officers

Details Duties and Responsibilities for each local chapter officer.

Sample HOSA Officer Application

Advisors are encouraged to use this template to create an officer application form that works for the local chapter.
Consider posting each application in the classroom so all members can view the candidates’ qualifications prior to the election process.

Sample Officer Parent Letter

Parent cooperation and support is paramount in the success of a local HOSA chapter officer. Make certain to communicate openly and often with the parents in regard to the success of the officer.

Officer Behavior Agreement

A sample of expected behavior agreement with delineated consequences made between the local officer and the advisor.

Employer Notification and Memorandum of Understanding

After-school HOSA chapter activities require a commitment on the part of the chapter officer. When employed, the officer may need to request time off from a job. Informing the employer early in the process will lead to better understanding and cooperation when scheduling the officer time-off to attend the required activities.

Sample HOSA Local Officer Discipline Policy

For every action there is a reaction and knowing this upfront will enable the officer to gain an understanding of the resulting reaction if he /she does not follow the established guidelines. This resource validates the disciplinary action on the part of the HOSA Local Advisor.

Officer Succession Plan

This four-step officer team succession plan guides the current officers in developing a plan to train the upcoming officer team. A strong officer team perpetuates the continuation of the local chapter. If all officers are graduating without having a succession plan in place, the chapter could be in jeopardy of disbanding. Don’t let that happen…start planning now for the next team of chapter officer leaders.

Step Eight: Hold Chapter Meetings

Chapter Meetings are the main way to communicate and retain HOSA chapter members. This section provides resources for meeting agendas, meeting minutes and ice breaker examples.

Agendas and Minutes

General information for the HOSA Local Advisor, including how to involve students in the meeting and points of interest
to enhance the meeting.

Sample Agenda

The local HOSA officers should plan an Agenda for every chapter meeting; submit it to the Advisor for edits and final approval and distribute it to the members prior to the meeting. Share these resources to guide the officers in competing this important and essential meeting requirement.

Sample Agenda With Notes

The local HOSA officers should plan an Agenda for every chapter meeting; submit it to the Advisor for edits and final approval and distribute it to the members prior to the meeting. Share these resources to guide the officers in competing this important and essential meeting requirement.

HOSA Committee Report

Each committee, Standing or Ad hoc, needs to prepare a report for presentation at the chapter meeting. A copy can be given to the Secretary for filing.

Meeting Evaluation

When you and the officer team want to gather data about the chapter meeting, develop an evaluation tool for the members. The thoughts and ideas expressed will offer guidance in the planning of future meetings. This is another way to have each member offer input so he /she feels that voicing an opinion will count.

Step Nine: Program of Work Activities

A chapter activity plan is known as a Program of Work (POW) including financial, leadership activities, fundraising activities, etc.

Program of Work

The “why” and “how” of executing a Program of Work.

Sample Program of Work

Samples so chapter members can develop their chapter POW.

Blank Template for POW

A blank form for the members’ use in planning the POW.

POW Planning Sheet

Each scheduled activity needs to be “planned” well in advance and the members planning the activity could use this in the planning stages. A planning sheet is a fantastic resource.

Chapter Goal Planning Worksheet

Every HOSA event or activity needs to have a goal. This HOSA Chapter SMART Goal Planning resource will help the members remain focused in the early planning stages of the project.

Every chapter needs financial stability in order to support chapter activities, community service projects, and members
as they participate in HOSA leadership conferences.
Fundraising Handbook – HOSA’s guide to fundraising
Fundraising Suggestions
–  Sample Partnership Letter – Asking for financial support from local health leaders or organizations can be challenging and even intimidating. HOSA provides a sample letter to get you started in the process. Developing a partnership with health organizations and professionals will benefit the members and partners in numerous, impactful ways.

Step Ten: HOSA in the Classroom through Competitive Events

The HOSA Competitive Events (CE) Program boasts  eighty-four events in eight categories. This section will provide links to Competitive Event resources, updates and ideas to incorporate events into the classroom.

BEST PRACTICE: As the CE guidelines are incorporated into class assignments / projects, use the Rating Sheet from the guidelines as a rubric when grading students. The Rating Sheet can be edited to align with your assignment requirements. This process will help prepare your future competitors become familiar with the guidelines and the “judging” process.

HOSA members will experience various forms of competition throughout their lives. This resource serves to show the student member a positive view of competition through the HOSA CE Program.

Competitive Event (CE) Guidelines

This links you directly to the current CE guidelines. Word of advice…always tell your competitors to practice and prepare for competition using the most current guidelines as noted in the date listed in the bottom corner of each guideline.

Competitive Event Resources

Compilation of all resources used for the competitive events offered through HOSA’s CE program.

On Demand Learning Opportunities 

General Rules and Regulations (GRR)

A “Must Read” resource for every competitor and HOSA Local Advisor. Here you will find ALL rules and regulations of
the CE program; answers to CE questions; and directions for competitor success during competition.

Competitive Events Digital Uploads

A listing of competitive events requiring competitors to upload digital materials and the instructions on how to complete the upload process can be found at this site

Step Eleven: Attend Conferences

The opportunity to attend a HOSA conference is an experience of a lifetime. This section provides information about the International Leadership Conference (ILC). Check with your HOSA State Advisor on regional or state leadership conference opportunities in your area.

International Leadership Conference

The highlight of every year for HOSA members is the HOSA International Leadership Conference. This conference has so many highlights… nationally known speakers; educational workshops; health-related exhibitors; exciting general sessions; highly competitive CE program; networking opportunities with HOSA members around the world; and so much more! Your State Advisor will keep you informed of how you and your members can participate in the ILC.
Plan…prepare…participate…you won’t want to miss out on the memories!

Washington Leadership

This professional development opportunity for HOSA

State Conference Information

Use the link above to access information on state conferences for your state.

ILC Deadline Checklist

HOSA’s way of helping you stay on top of your important deadlines for attendance at the ILC.

HOSA Chapter Safety Checklist

You teach safety in the classroom so why not teach it for attendance at any HOSA event? For many students, a HOSA overnight event is a first-time experience and their safety is paramount to the student, you, the school, and especially the parents /guardians.

Chapter Development

Officer Installation Ceremony No need to write the script for the officer installation ceremony since HOSA has already done it for you! Additional ways to install officers can be found in the New Local Advisor Handbook.
HOSA Week Ideas and HOSA Week Proclamation HOSA week is designated the first full week of November starting on Sunday through Saturday. If the local chapter prefers to celebrate HOSA week during CTE month in February that is fine; or, the local chapter might choose another week that is in better alignment with other school activities. The importance of HOSA week is the recognition of others and sharing the HOSA story.

Alumni

Membership is FREE! FREE! FREE!
Any HOSA member that is graduating from high school or completing a postsecondary/ collegiate program is eligible to become a HOSA Lifetime Alumni Member.

Alumni Division Direct the graduating student member to this site to learn all about HOSA Alumni membership.
Free Alumni Registration Here’s the registration link to share…it’s that easy!
Top 8 Reasons To Join HOSA's Alumni Division Use this as a recruitment tool for the graduating members to become HOSA Alumni.
Give To HOSA Continue the legacy by supporting the first-ever individual giving program. It is important to learn why a HOSA member should give back through a donation.
HOSA Alumni Benefits If the graduating members need more reasons to become HOSA Alumni share this list of companies or organizations that provide a discount to HOSA Alumni members.

News

HOSA Social Media HOSA members are very active in social media communities. Use the links at the bottom right of the HOSA website to visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Guide The “Why” and “How” to spread chapter news. There’s even a Sample Press Release and Press Release Templates so you don’t need to reinvent the wheel!
News “Read all about it…” in this collection of fascinating HOSA news stories.
eMagazine The HOSA eMagazine shares news and updates from HOSA- Future Health Professionals, HOSA Chartered Associations, Local Chapters, HOSA members and alumni as well as health industry and career and technical education news. HOSA encourages all HOSA chapters and members to share their stories with them. Submit your news and photos to hosa@hosa.org.