DCIT Health Science students win honors at State HOSA Conference

HOSA competitive event participants during state conference.

HOSA competitive event participants during state conference.

Students in the Health Science Technology classes at the Darlington County Institute of Technology (DCIT) have been hard at work throughout this year in preparation for the South Carolina Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Conference, which was held March 11-13, 2015. Instructors for these courses are Mrs. Connie Altman, Mrs. Kellie Flowers, and Mrs. Nancy Huntley. Preparation for the state conference involves dedication during and after school. Students attend after school practice sessions, read additional textbooks, form study groups, and receive guidance from various other professional community resources. Though many students join HOSA to compete, HOSA gives students an opportunity to network with other students who are interested in health care as a career, attend workshops regarding health care professions, travel to conferences in a variety of locations, set goals and timelines for reaching them, sharpen leadership skills, and focus on specific areas of health that may not be covered in class. Thirty students attended the conference.

Career interests among the health science students at DCIT are diverse. Careers in which students have expressed an interest in pursuing include becoming dentists, emergency medicine technicians, gynecologists, licensed practical nurses, pediatricians, physical therapists, pharmacists, registered nurses, and veterinarians. This diversity of interests makes participation in HOSA extremely beneficial to students. Courses provide exposure to a wide range of topics while the HOSA experience allows students to focus on a particular area of interest. Some of the areas of competition at the HOSA conference include Forensic Medicine, Veterinary Assisting, Home Health Aide, Medical Photography, Dental Assisting, Clinical Nursing, CPR/First Aid, Sports Medicine, Public Service Announcement, Physical Therapy, Pharmacology, and Emergency Medicine. Two students placed in the top three and 11 in the top ten. Students who placed at the state HOSA conference were:

• 3rd place: Extemporaneous Writing—Catherine Beasley
• 3rd place: Dental Science—Michaela Smith
• 5th place: Extemporaneous Poster—Jescyca Thomas
• 4th place: Home Health Aide—Laquesha Washington
• 5th place: Home Health Aide—NaAndreka Edwards
• 7th place: Clinical Specialty—Oregon Brooks
• 8th place: Clinical Specialty—Marisha Hickman
• 8th place: Health Education—Madison Isgett and Bailey Dixon
• 8th place: HOSA Bowl—Jasmine Williams, Makayla Staggers, Derika Hamlin
• 10th place: Physical Therapy—Dallas Keith
• Outstanding HOSA Member: Catherine Beasle

In addition to the state conference, HOSA members have also attended a leadership conference at Newberry College and participated in numerous community service projects including several blood drives, a sock drive, a food drive, and special needs Christmas party. Currently, health science students are completing several weeks of clinical rotations at various medical facilities to help them better determine their area of interest and in preparation for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam in May.

Author: Duane Childers

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