Oklahoma HOSA state officers stand at center court during OKHOSA Day with the Thunder. From left are Reporter Jordan Kuruvilla, Francis Tuttle Tech; President Hunter Brashears, Western Tech; Northeast Region Vice President Kross Brown, Francis Tuttle Tech; Northwest Region Vice President Fathiyah Ayodele, Francis Tuttle Tech; Southeast Region Vice President Adriana Do, Putnam City North High School; Chaplain Logan Rodas, Moore Norman Tech; Treasurer Jack Colby, Francis Tuttle Tech; Central Region Vice President Nathan Sweetman, Moore Norman Tech; and Southwest Region Vice President Corbin Cansler, High Plains Tech.
Oklahoma HOSA members recently spent a day learning more about health care careers from professionals, networking and watching an Oklahoma City Thunder game.
OKHOSA Day with the Thunder included a panel of health care professionals -- general surgeon Dr. Alex Raines, OU Health Sciences senior recruiter Sabrina Rollins and Lake Pointe Dental Group general dentist and owner Dr. Shannon Maddox. The three spoke to the health science students about their career journeys and industry challenges.
“Events like OKHOSA Day with the Thunder are essential in bridging the gap between education and real-world health care careers,” said Amy Warner, Oklahoma HOSA state adviser. “By exposing students to professionals and opportunities early on, we are actively addressing the health care workforce shortage and ensuring a strong pipeline of future leaders in the industry.”
After the panel discussion, students were able to visit with almost 30 vendors representing health care education programs, industry employers and career advancement opportunities across Oklahoma. The College and Career Expo allowed students to network, ask questions and gain insights into their future careers, Warner said.
Students also got the chance to meet the Thunder mascot, Rumble the Bison and shoot free throws from the court before watching the Thunder defeat the Milwaukee Bucks.
“Oklahoma HOSA continues to be a driving force in preparing students for careers in health sciences, providing hands-on experiences, leadership development and networking opportunities that empower them to succeed,” Warner said. “With a record-breaking attendance at this year's event, the impact of Oklahoma HOSA is stronger than ever.”
HOSA is one of seven CareerTech student organizations affiliated with CareerTech programs. It is affiliated with health science education. The other six are Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (family and consumer sciences education), FFA (agricultural education), DECA (marketing education), SkillsUSA (trade and industrial education), Business Professionals of America (business and information technology education) and Technology Student Association (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma’s Workforce Leader
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 62 campuses, 395 PK-12 school districts, 16 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
