Where do students upload materials for Competitive Events?
Students should not upload Competitive Event materials unless specifically instructed to do so by NJ HOSA.
Depending on the event, required materials may be submitted through a designated platform such as JudgePro, DLG, the HOSA membership system, or another NJ HOSA-approved submission system. Submission instructions and deadlines are communicated to Chapter Advisors each year.
Students should work directly with their Chapter Advisor to make sure all required documents, videos, presentations, or other materials are submitted correctly and on time.
What is the dress code for Competitive Events?
All NJ HOSA conference participants are expected to follow the current HOSA Dress Code.
Acceptable attire generally includes:
- Official HOSA uniform;
- Professional business attire; or
- Event-specific attire when permitted or required by the Competitive Event Guidelines.
Some Competitive Events may require specific clothing or personal protective equipment. Students should carefully review both the HOSA Dress Code and the guidelines for their individual event before attending a conference.
Failure to comply with the applicable dress code may result in penalties in accordance with NJ HOSA Competitive Events policies.
What should students bring to Competitive Event check-in?
Students should arrive prepared with everything required for their event. Depending on the event, this may include:
- An acceptable photo ID, when required;
- Their conference name badge or credential;
- Any materials, supplies, equipment, or documentation identified in the Competitive Event Guidelines;
- Required event-specific attire or personal protective equipment; and
- Any additional materials identified in NJ HOSA conference instructions.
Students should read their Competitive Event Guidelines in their entirety before arriving at the conference. Advisors may also provide additional instructions based on the event or conference.
Can I change my conference registration?
Students should contact their Chapter Advisor regarding any registration changes or concerns.
Chapter Advisors are responsible for conference registration and are the primary point of contact between students and the NJ HOSA State Office. Registration changes may be subject to published deadlines and NJ HOSA conference policies.
If I am registered but cannot attend, can another student take my place?
Substitutions are handled through the Chapter Advisor and are subject to NJ HOSA conference and Competitive Event policies.
Whether a substitution is permitted may depend on the event, registration deadline, competition format, and whether the original student has already completed a qualifying test, pre-judged submission, or other required component.
Students should contact their Chapter Advisor as soon as possible if they are unable to attend.
Can I attend the State Leadership Conference if I am not competing?
Yes. The NJ HOSA State Leadership Conference is more than a Competitive Events conference.
Depending on the conference program and chapter registration, students may attend as Courtesy Corps and participate in activities such as:
- Educational workshops;
- Exhibitor and career exploration opportunities;
- General sessions;
- Networking activities;
- Recognition programs;
- Leadership activities; and
- Other conference experiences.
Students interested in attending should speak with their Chapter Advisor about available registration options.
How do I become a NJ HOSA State Officer?
Students interested in serving as a NJ HOSA State Officer must complete the annual State Officer Candidate Application and selection process.
The process may include:
- Meeting membership and eligibility requirements;
- Completing the State Officer Candidate Application;
- Obtaining required student, parent/guardian, advisor, and school approvals;
- Completing the State Officer examination;
- Participating in candidate screening and interviews; and
- Completing additional election or selection requirements established by NJ HOSA.
The State Officer Candidate Application Packet and annual deadlines are published by NJ HOSA each membership year.
Students interested in running for office should speak with their Chapter Advisor and carefully review the current application packet before applying.
How do I start a new HOSA chapter at my school?
Students interested in starting a chapter should first identify a teacher, health science instructor, CTE instructor, or other eligible school staff member who is willing to serve as the Chapter Advisor.
The next steps generally include:
- Contacting the NJ HOSA State Office for chapter affiliation information;
- Confirming that the school and program meet HOSA affiliation requirements;
- Obtaining school or district approval;
- Recruiting interested students;
- Establishing the local chapter and student leadership structure; and
- Completing membership affiliation through the official HOSA membership system
NJ HOSA can assist prospective Chapter Advisors and school administrators throughout the chapter formation process.
Where do I find the guidelines for my Competitive Event?
Official Competitive Event Guidelines are published by HOSA–Future Health Professionals and are available at:
Students should review both:
- The guideline for their specific Competitive Event; and
- The HOSA General Rules and Regulations.
Students should also review all NJ HOSA-specific Competitive Events information, since New Jersey may use different competition formats, deadlines, qualifying procedures, or submission requirements at the state level.
Competitive Event Guidelines may be updated during the membership year, so students should always verify that they are using the most current version.
How does my chapter register for an NJ HOSA conference?
Students do not register themselves for NJ HOSA conferences.
Conference registration is completed by the Chapter Advisor through the conference registration system designated by NJ HOSA.
The process may include:
- Ensuring participating students are properly affiliated with HOSA;
- Adding eligible conference participants;
- Selecting Competitive Events or other conference activities;
- Completing required registration information; and
- Submitting registration by the published deadline.
NJ HOSA will provide Chapter Advisors with conference-specific registration instructions before each conference.
Students should speak with their Chapter Advisor regarding registration deadlines, event selections, fees, transportation, and other conference requirements.
Who should I contact if I have a question about HOSA?
Students should generally begin by contacting their Chapter Advisor. Advisors receive official updates, deadlines, conference information, Competitive Event instructions, and other communications directly from NJ HOSA.
If additional assistance is needed, the Chapter Advisor may contact the NJ HOSA State Office on behalf of the chapter.