LOCAL CHAPTER ADVISORS
Advisors are vital to the success of a local HOSA Chapter. The Advisor needs to be aware of the responsibilities this entails, and become familiar with the local, state, and national structure of HOSA. With a committed and enthusiastic advisor, students will grow as leaders and reap all the benefits that a HOSA membership has to offer.
The Advisor is a teacher, a mentor, and a resource who assists HOSA members in relating Chapter activities to their local health science education curriculum and to a future health career. Rmember, above all, that HOSA students look to their Advisor as a reference for how they should act and participate in HOSA activities. If the Advisor is uncooperative and indifferent, the students will be as well. Please set the standard for Missouri HOSA members high by increasing your involvement and enthusiasm in the organization!
The attitude, interest, enthusiasm, and commitment exhibited by the local HOSA Chapter Advisor will be crucial as he/she conveys the values of HOSA in the educational program in secondary, postsecondary and collegiate health science education programs. The Advisor, individually and with HOSA Chapter members, must establish and maintain contacts with a variety of individuals and groups in publicizing and securing resources and support. The Advisor’s tasks are many, particularly relating to serving as the motivating force, and may be grouped generally under the following categories:
- Obtaining support from administration
- Organizing the local HOSA Chapter
- Assuring that HOSA concepts and activities are an integral part of the Health Science Education classroom
- Serving as a resource/facilitator for HOSA student members’ planning of Program of Work and implementation of activities
- Effecting leadership development
Rules for HOSA Advisors
- Never forget that your role is ADVISOR. The best chapter advisors encourage and guide students to do the work of the chapter.
- HOSA is a “student-led” organization. Make sure students are leading your chapter!
- If you find yourself working too hard, step back and look at what you are doing. Delegate tasks to HOSA members. You will be surprised at what they can do when given a chance.
- Point out the connections. It is your responsibility to help students connect their HOSA learning with their future health career.
- Don’t get discouraged. When members do not do what is expected, remember it isn’t personal.
- HOSA is designed to be fun. Look around. Make sure all HOSA members get involved.
- Encourage – don’t pressure. Celebrate the good and use the bad to improve. But, most of all, sit back and watch HOSA members achieve and succeed – the real reward for being a HOSA chapter advisor.
Check out these links and publications!
HOSA's Local Advisor Page
HOSA Advisor Resources
Local Advisor Handbook