Building Illinois'
Future Health
Leaders
Illinois HOSA strengthens the next generation of healthcare professionals through education, leadership, and real-world experience.
Since 1978, Illinois HOSA has supported middle school, secondary, and postsecondary students as they explore health and biomedical sciences. Advisors, educators, and statewide leaders work together to help students build skills, confidence, and purpose on their path toward healthcare careers.
Explore Our Mission
76
Active chapters across Illinois
Who we are
Not a Club. A Career Pathway.
Illinois HOSA is a student-led organization for students enrolled in health science and biomedical programs, and for anyone who thinks healthcare might be their future.
Chapters run like healthcare teams. Students lead meetings, build a plan of work, compete in industry-endorsed events, and serve their communities while exploring careers in nursing, medicine, public health, mental health, and research.
As part of the national HOSA organization, Illinois HOSA connects students across the state to competition, leadership conferences, and health professionals already doing the work.
Get Involved Today"Illinois HOSA is 100% healthcare."
Why it matters
Illinois Needs More Health Professionals.
We Start Earlier.
Illinois faces growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals across every discipline. As the population ages and care grows more complex, the need for well-trained, compassionate workers has never been greater.
Illinois HOSA meets that need early, with exposure to healthcare careers before graduation, hands-on skill development, and the leadership training the field actually requires.
We envision an Illinois where every student interested in healthcare has access to world-class education, mentorship, and the opportunity to lead in their chosen field.
How it works
Learn. Lead. Serve. Innovate.
Every Illinois HOSA chapter is built on the same four pillars. Together they take a student from classroom learning to professional readiness.
Pillar 01
Learn
Students build clinical knowledge and technical skills through health science coursework, industry-endorsed competitive events, and hands-on practice that mirrors real clinical standards.
Pillar 02
Lead
Chapter officers, section leaders, and state officers run real organizations, planning conferences, managing teams, and speaking to audiences of hundreds.
Pillar 03
Serve
Chapters serve their communities through health promotion, screenings, drives, and volunteer partnerships with local providers and public health agencies.
Pillar 04
Innovate
Members tackle real health challenges with research, technology, and new ideas, presenting solutions to judges who work in the field every day.
Statewide reach
Eight Sections. One Illinois.
Illinois HOSA is organized into eight sections, each led by a section advisor who supports chapters, coordinates events, and connects students with local healthcare partners. 76 active chapters serve students statewide.
Section 1
Northern Illinois
Cook · Lake · DuPage
Section advisor
Dr. Nana Bonsu
Section 2
Northwest Suburbs
McHenry · Kane · Kendall
Section advisor
Amanda Long
Section 3
West Central
Rock Island · Peoria · Tazewell
Section advisor
Laura Turngren
Section 4
Central Illinois
Champaign · Vermilion · Douglas
Section advisor
Karen Koester
Section 5
Metro East
Madison · St. Clair · Monroe
Section advisor
Kristen Wegener
Section 6
Southern Illinois
Jackson · Williamson · Union
Section advisor
Joel Swanson
Section 7
Capital Region
Sangamon · Logan · Menard
Section advisor
Tammy Martin
Section 8
Collar Counties
Will · Grundy · Kankakee
Section advisor
Stacey Boruff
The proof
This Is What It Looks Like
Competition, service, and leadership happen in real rooms, with real standards, in front of real professionals.
Partners Supporting Our Mission
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Interested in supporting Illinois HOSA? We welcome new partners.
Become a PartnerJoin us
Every Health Professional Started Somewhere.
Whether you are a student exploring healthcare, an educator ready to charter a chapter, an alum who wants to give back, or a partner invested in the future of the Illinois healthcare workforce, and there is a place for you here.
Questions? Email illinoishosa32@gmail.com or call (708) 974-7227.