The Care Team of Tomorrow
By Jessica Rosencrans on
This March, middle and high school students from across North Dakota gathered in Grand Forks to practice their leadership skills, connect with like-minded peers, and showcase their knowledge of healthcare. These students are all part of North Dakota HOSA, an organization that aims to introduce youth to opportunities in healthcare professions and to build their confidence and passion for the field early on.
The State Leadership Convention (SLC), held each spring,
is the largest statewide event of the year for North
Dakota HOSA. The three-day conference offers over 60
competitive events dedicated to service, leadership, and
health science. Top competitors earn the opportunity to
advance to compete at the international level,
representing North Dakota on a global stage. In addition
to the competitions, students have the opportunity to
engage with post-secondary institutions, healthcare
employers, and community partners between sessions at
exhibits and during workshops.
"Students benefit from hands-on skills opportunities, competitive experiences, and networking with healthcare professionals and educators," said Brandy Madrigal, the state HOSA advisor for North Dakota. "Our organization also makes great efforts to provide opportunities for recognition through service awards and scholarship opportunities. HOSA helps students build both the necessary technical and professional skills needed to succeed in healthcare careers."
Opportunities for All Ages
HOSA activities are targeted for each chapter level: middle schoolers, high schoolers, and post-secondary members. Middle school members are introduced to healthcare careers and begin building foundational leadership and teamwork skills. High school students have more expanded opportunities for competitive events, holding leadership roles at the local chapter and state levels, and involvement in community service; while post-secondary members have a higher focus on professional development, networking, and preparing for entry into the healthcare workforce or graduate programs.
At the core of North Dakota HOSA are the local chapters, which work year-round to engage students with educational and service opportunities in their own backyards.
I've developed leadership skills that have helped me grow not only within HOSA, but also as a person outside of it.
Marley Foss, a sophomore at Oakes High School, has been a HOSA member for two years and was reelected at SLC to serve as North Dakota HOSA's State Secondary Vice President for the 2026-2027 term. Foss says HOSA has taught her not only about career opportunities in healthcare but also built lasting friendships, strengthened soft skills, and created lasting memories.
"At first, I was a little skeptical about running for office, but my advisor encouraged me to do it. Over time, I became more confident and outgoing," Foss shared. "I've developed leadership skills that have helped me grow not only within HOSA, but also as a person outside of it."
With HOSA's strong impact on her high school career, Foss is still weighing her options on what area of study she'd like to pursue. She plans to attend the University of North Dakota (UND).
Nurturing Our Own
Madrigal, who has been the state advisor since 2023, is responsible for developing and implementing statewide HOSA events. Her advisor role is part of her work at the North Dakota Area Health Education Center (AHEC). The AHEC program office resides within the Center for Rural Health (CRH) at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS). Additionally, it has regional centers located in Mayville and Velva, North Dakota. North Dakota AHEC provides the infrastructure, funding support, and program coordination to ensure HOSA can operate effectively in the state.
When young people are introduced to the wide range of careers in healthcare, they can begin to see themselves as future providers, leaders, and advocates.
As part of UND SMHS, North Dakota HOSA aims to support the North Dakota 85 (ND85) initiative: a goal that 85% of graduating physicians from the SMHS be in-state students and keep talented young professionals living and working in the state. One of the ways SMHS works to reach this goal is by supporting programs that provide opportunities for North Dakota youth to become involved in healthcare at an early age and nurture an ever-growing passion for serving others.
"Engaging students in healthcare at a young age is essential to building a strong, sustainable workforce," said Dr. Jacob Warren, director of CRH. "When young people are introduced to the wide range of careers in healthcare, they can begin to see themselves as future providers, leaders, and advocates. It sparks curiosity and builds confidence in pathways they may not have otherwise considered."
Beyond HOSA, AHEC works to strengthen the healthcare workforce by offering additional career exploration opportunities, supporting clinical training through the AHEC Scholars and Clinical Rotations Programs, and focusing on improving access to care in rural and underserved communities in North Dakota.
Ever-Growing Leadership
Since 2020, North
Dakota HOSA has experienced significant growth in both
the number of community chapters and members involved. In
the 2020-2021 school year, HOSA recorded a total of 294
members statewide; at the end of 2025-2026, the
organization boasted a total of 1,065 members. During the
same time period, middle and high school chapters
increased from 15 to 26.
"We've been able to generate stronger partnerships across the state and increase education and awareness of HOSA to our stakeholders," commented Madrigal on the growth of HOSA membership. "I also think we've been so intentional in our efforts to expand access to HOSA across the state through increased outreach. Lastly, I believe with the stability in the state advisor role, I've been able to focus on assisting advisors, building that rapport with them, and support them in creating meaningful experiences for students."
HOSA is a beacon of opportunity for additional resources and partnerships to build upon this amazing program that has been quietly and effectively expanding across the state.
Stacy Kusler, workforce specialist at CRH and associate program director for AHEC, agrees that the pathways that HOSA creates for youth in the state are irreplaceable in developing the next generation of healthcare workers.
"As HOSA gains traction in the state, more students have the opportunity to explore healthcare and whether it might be a career they want to pursue." Kusler continued, "As North Dakota grapples with current and anticipated healthcare workforce shortages, HOSA is a beacon of opportunity for additional resources and partnerships to build upon this amazing program that has been quietly and effectively expanding across the state."
is the communication specialist with the Center for Rural
Health at the University of North Dakota School of
Medicine & Health Sciences in Grand Forks.
