Future healthcare professionals at Chimacum Junior Senior High School are gaining hands-on experience and leadership skills through the school’s newly launched HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Club.
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Future healthcare professionals at Chimacum Junior Senior High School are gaining hands-on experience and leadership skills through the school’s newly launched HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Club. Established in September 2024, the club provides students with opportunities to develop their medical knowledge, practice healthcare skills, and prepare for competitions, all while exploring career pathways in the growing healthcare field.
Many club members are also enrolled in the Human Body Systems class offered at CJSHS, further deepening their understanding of medical sciences.
This month Chimacum’s HOSA team is traveling to Spokane to participate in the three-day Spring Leadership Conference, joining thousands of other students from across Washington. Chimacum students will compete in a team-based problem-solving event, applying critical thinking and knowledge gained from their coursework to address a real-world problem in healthcare. Additionally, one student will also take part in the Environmental Science competition, adding to the team’s competitive efforts.
The healthcare sector is the fastest-growing industry in Jefferson County, with demand for professionals expected to increase steadily over the next decade. According to JobsEQ (Q4, 2024), the average annual wage for healthcare careers in the county is $52,443, making it a promising field for students considering future careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, and beyond.
Chimacum students are fortunate to have strong support from Jefferson Healthcare, the county’s largest employer, which has played a key role in expanding health science education within the school district. Programs such as the Human Body Systems class, the 8th Grade Healthcare Career Fair, and the Career Choices program provide students with early exposure to healthcare professions. The development of these career pathways has been generously supported by funding from Olympic Community of Health and Career Connect Washington Grants, helping to ensure that students are prepared for the future workforce.
As the Chimacum HOSA team gear up for Spokane they are preparing for competition while taking their first steps toward becoming the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Kelley Watson is director of career and technical education and Tyler Walcheff a science teacher at Chimacum Junior Senior High School.
