PAEA Brings the PA Profession to Future Health Professionals at HOSA ILC 

PAEA joined HOSA-Future Health Professionals at the International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis to raise awareness of the PA profession, connect with students and advisors, and strengthen an important health workforce pipeline partnership. 

The scale was significant: 13,500 competitors from 54 chartered associations looking to become an international champion in HOSA’s competitive events program; 15,000 future health professionals, advisors, practitioners, and alumni; 700 industry partners and HOSA alumni serving as judges; 170 exhibitors; and 170 workshops led by health professionals. 

Building the HOSA Partnership 

PAEA’s work at ILC built on a growing partnership with HOSA designed to introduce the PA profession earlier, create practical touchpoints for students, and connect PA education with learners already committed to health careers. 

PAEA presented a $1,000 scholarship to a rising college undergraduate student interested in the PA profession. The recipient is working toward a health professions career and gaining experience hours as a medical assistant. In 2026, HOSA awarded 128 scholarships from 43 sponsors, totaling $160,000. 

PAEA also collaborated with HOSA to pilot a skills-based competitive event that ran from Fall 2025 through Spring 2026. A PA faculty volunteer, Colleen Grimone, MPAS, PA-C, and a PA student volunteer, Abby Scarborough, PA-S, developed the 50-question medical exam and three medical case studies that were used. Six chartered associations joined the pilot, with 172 student members participating—an unprecedented response for a pilot event. 

The response was clear. After strong feedback from students and HOSA, the competition will launch across all 50 states in 2027. PAEA will also award two additional $1,000 scholarships to competition winners at the 2027 International Leadership Conference Awards Ceremony. 

What Students Asked Us 

Students came prepared with practical questions: What does a PA do? What should I study? How do I get patient care experience? What makes an applicant competitive? Many knew about the MD pathway, nursing, public health, and allied health careers. Fewer had a full picture of the PA role or the flexibility of team-based practice across specialties and settings. 

That is the opportunity. Early awareness gives students time to plan, seek mentorship, choose the right experiences, and see the PA profession as a clear and compelling option. 

Why This is Important 

• HOSA students are already engaged. They are building leadership skills, testing their knowledge, and looking for credible guidance on next steps. 
• Advisors extend our reach. HOSA advisors can help PA programs connect with students through classroom visits, local events, career panels, and shared resources. 
• The PA profession needs earlier visibility. Many students are interested in patient care but have not yet encountered a clear explanation of PA education, admissions expectations, or career options. 
• Stories move students. PAs, PA students, faculty, admissions staff, and alumni can make the pathway real by sharing how they found the profession and what helped them move forward. 
• Sustained outreach works. A conference conversation can open the door. Follow-up resources, campus connections, and local partnerships help students keep moving. 

How Programs Can Engage 

Member programs can make HOSA part of a broader recruitment and outreach strategy. Some ways to get involved are:  

• Exhibiting at future conferences. 
• Volunteering to serve as competition judges during the regional, state, and national conferences. 
• Presenting a workshop. 
• Connecting with a local HOSA chapter.  
• Inviting students and advisors to campus or virtual information sessions. 
• Sharing clear, accessible resources that explain PA education. 

Every touchpoint matters. A booth conversation, a local chapter visit, or a follow-up email can help a student see the PA profession as realistic, service-oriented, and within reach. 

Looking Ahead 

PAEA left ILC encouraged by the energy, preparation, and curiosity of HOSA students—and by the momentum behind the scholarship and competitive event pilot. The students are ready to learn and just need clear guidance and resources from the PA education community. 

PAEA will continue supporting recruitment, outreach, and student success across the PA education pathway. Our programs can help by reaching students earlier, sharing the PA story more clearly, and building relationships with organizations like HOSA. Together, we can help more future health professionals see where they belong in the health workforce—and how the PA profession can be part of their future.