Approximately 680 high school students from central Mississippi will compete in a myriad of health competitions at Meridian Community College Saturday at the annual Central District Health Occupation Students of America Competition.

 

HOSA, or Health Occupations Students of America, is a national association composed of 87,000 members. Winners at the Central District competition will advance to the state competition in Jackson, and then to the national competition in June.

 

Competitions include a variety of events including medical math, pathophysiology, clinical speciality veterinary science, CPR/first aid, job seeking skills, forensic medicine, epidemiology, biomedical debate and many others. Dr. Richie McAlister, MCC associate vice president for workforce education, said of this annual event: “This showcases the state’s best high school health students and programs. It is a platform for students to exhibit their skills and professionalism.”

 

The seven-hour conference not only included the competition, but also highlighted an opening session that included an address by MCC President Dr. Scott Elliott and a presentation by Dimensions, the College’s dance and vocal show group