Eight Health Occupation Students of America members will compete at their state conference April 9-11 in Dallas after competing in HOSA Area Four conference Jan. 23-24 in Lubbock. HOSA is sponsored by health science teachers Paige Tucker and Carrie Guthrie.

Students choose a specific competition category then take written tests to advance to area where they perform skills. The top three competitors in each category make it to state. Categories include HOSA bowl, nurse assisting, medical spelling, medical arts poster, career health display, physical therapy, medical photography and extemporaneous health poster. The HOSA bowl team includes Blake Ferguson, Mackenzie Hahn, Andres Cardenas and Shawn Williams.

“HOSA bowl is pretty much set up like Jeopardy,” Tucker said. “They have various questions on all aspects of HOSA, everything from its history to parliamentary procedure to medical questions. It is a process of elimination, just like a sports grid, where they go in, two of them compete and whoever wins progresses.”

Senior Mackenzie Hahn said this year is her first year to compete.

“We put in a lot of work and time, meeting twice a week,” Hahn said. “Placing first at area really helped us see we were on track. Now, we just continue to study and hope to do well there. “

Senior Chloe Smith placed second in nurse assisting.

“I went in there, and I had to wear scrubs,” Smith said. “They give you a scenario and you had to practice standard precautions.”

Freshman Tucker Fischbacher placed first in medical spelling.

“I decided I was going to be in HOSA, but I didn’t know there were competitions,” Fischbacher said. “So, when Mrs. Guthrie asked if I was going to compete, I looked through the list of things and saw medical spelling. I was like ‘okay, that looks fun,’ and I like spelling bees, so I decided to do that.”

Fischbacher said Guthrie gave him a medical dictionary and book so he could study the words. He went to Guthrie’s room during activity period to study.

“We did an online exam, and I got eighth,” Fischbacher said. “Regional was two weeks ago in Lubbock, and I got first at regionals. Now, I’m going to state.”

Smith said the competition was fun and a cool experience.

“You get to meet a lot of people and you get to make new friendships,” Smith said. “I didn’t even know Tucker before we went, and we bonded on the trip. I met more people, and I learned something that I didn’t know.”

Tucker said Canyon took 10 students to state last year and is excited for Fischbacher and the great years to come.

“They are all very good, well-behaved, professional kids,” Tucker said. “So, I’m very proud of the students.”

Physical Therapy

Elizabeth Medina

HOSA Bowl Team

Blake Ferguson

Mackenzie Hahn

Andres Cardenas

Shawn Williams

Medical Spelling

Tucker Fischbacher

Medical Arts Poster

Caroline Mills

Nurse Assisting

Chloe Smith