Dresden High School's HOSA Program Year in Review Includes Career Exploration and Community Engagement
Under the guidance of Health Sciences Teacher and Club Advisor Whitney Cates, Dresden High School's HOSA Program marked another school year full of career exploration opportunities and discovery in the wide field of health care.
Throughout the year, the HOSA program has been providing students with hands-on experience and essential skills in the healthcare sector. In the Health Science course, freshmen have been immersed in foundational skills including vital signs and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and organization. Emphasizing the importance of these soft skills lays a solid groundwork for future success in healthcare professions.
Seniors enrolled in the Clinical Internship program had the invaluable opportunity to intern within various healthcare fields, enriching their understanding of nursing and therapeutic careers. This practical experience has allowed students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their preparedness for future endeavors in healthcare.
A highlight of the year was the introduction of Sim Man Essential equipment to all levels of classes. This advanced technology has provided students with immersive learning experiences, allowing them to practice a range of medical skills including vital signs assessment, emergency procedures, and CPR simulations. The utilization of such state-of-the-art equipment provides students with next-level learning experiences.
The Dresden High School HOSA program also facilitated valuable interactions with healthcare professionals and educational institutions. During the fall semester, HOSA welcomed UTM Nursing Students, who generously shared their expertise with our classes. Gabriella Nutting's presentation on travel nursing opportunities provided valuable career insights. Additionally, students had the privilege of learning about career paths in the Coast Guard, broadening their understanding of healthcare beyond traditional roles. Students learned about cardiovascular anatomy through cow heart dissection with guest speakers from Bethel University’s PA program.
In the spring semester, Dresden High School students explored respiratory and ambulance simulators, courtesy of Dyersburg and Jackson State Community Colleges. These immersive experiences were tailored to educate students about careers in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Respiratory Therapy. By interacting with state-of-the-art simulators, students gained practical knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the vital roles these professions play in healthcare delivery.
“Students gained a lot of valuable perspective along with the introduction of a number of opportunities for hands-on learning,” acknowledged HOSA Advisor Whitney Cates. “We want to say a big thank you to our visitors and special guests for opening the eyes of our students to the many career opportunities available in the world of healthcare.”
Throughout the school year, HOSA club students were engaged in community service initiatives to include blood drives, visits to local nursing homes, a career fair, and participation in regional and state competitions. Abby Trandel advanced from regions to compete at State level, and she and other members traveled to Chattanooga to attend the HOSA State Competition.
"It was an exciting year," remarked Cates. "The students are excited and gearing up for what’s coming next this fall. I hope they have a wonderful and well-deserved summer break and can’t wait to see them in August for another great school year.”