HOSA program offers students insight into healthcare careers
Fredericksburg, Texas — Students at Fredericksburg High School are gaining firsthand exposure to healthcare careers through the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program, which partners with Methodist Hospital Hill Country to offer weekly shadowing opportunities that enhance understanding of hospital operations, patient care, and the variety of roles within the medical field.
Each week, students spend one to two hours observing departments such as obstetrics, wound care, pharmacy, lab, and radiology. They complete guided observation assignments and even have the ability to earn certifications in patient care tech, CPR, and EMS fundamentals.
“They don’t have hands-on responsibilities, but they get to observe everything we do,” said Rene Griffin, Director of Obstetrics. “It gives them exposure to the pace and demands of healthcare, helping them understand what’s involved in caring for patients. Even if they decide healthcare isn’t the right path, the experience is still incredibly valuable.”
HOSA is a global student-led organization that prepares future healthcare professionals through leadership development and hands-on experience. Methodist Hospital Hill Country staff tailor each visit to student interest, helping them explore potential career paths early.
“It plants a seed,” said Greta Hartmann, Director of Wound Care. “Whether a student discovers they want to be a nurse, a radiology tech, or realizes healthcare isn’t for them, they’re making those decisions early. That kind of clarity saves time, money, and helps build a workforce that’s truly passionate about their careers.”
Students also participate in hospital-wide emergency preparedness drills, taking on roles as patients or family members during mass casualty simulations — offering them a perspective no textbook could provide.
In addition to the HOSA partnership, Methodist Hospital Hill Country also hosts nursing students from regional colleges and supports the Texas A&M Rural Medicine Program, helping train future primary care physicians for the Hill Country region.