The 2025 Kansas HOSA Fall Leadership Conference, held on October 28, was an incredible success that celebrated growth, leadership and hands-on learning. A record-setting 1,094 students attended, representing 65 HOSA chapters from across the state, an increase of nearly 25% compared to the 2024 conference.

Participants filled the day with learning, networking and exploration. Every attendee had the opportunity to join a hands-on skills session — many experienced two. Activities included suturing, phlebotomy, EKG, cardiac telemetry, CSI truck tour, health care skills labs, ACL injury evaluation and treatment, CPR, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, sports medicine. Some students even participated in an escape room focused on health care privacy rules. These immersive experiences are a hallmark for HOSA conferences and a tangible way to offer students a window into potential career paths.

The conference also featured over 50 guest speakers, two expos allowing students to network with representatives from clinics, hospitals, colleges and universities, competitive event training and a touching community service session called Cranes of Care, where attendees folded paper cranes and wrote messages of encouragement that will be delivered to elderly and ill residents in care homes.

Kansas HOSA State Officers led engaging leadership workshops and networking activities that brought students together and inspired them to take the next step in their health career journeys.

KU Area Health Education Center is proud to hold the Kansas charter for HOSA, an international organization committed to building the next generation of health care leaders. To relive the excitement and see the highlights, visit the KU AHEC photo album from the event!