R. David Johnson, Columbia State program director and associate professor of respiratory care, talks to a group of high school students about the respiratory care program at Columbia State.

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Jan. 21, 2016) - - - On Friday, Jan. 15, Columbia State Community College hosted the 2016 HOSA: Future Health Professionals Regional Conference. Approximately 30 high schools were represented with more than 800 students in attendance.

"It was an honor to have some of the region's best and brightest future health care professionals on campus," said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of health sciences and professor of radiologic technology. "These students demonstrate professionalism, dedication and commitment to excellence, and we look forward to having some of these students in our health care programs as they graduate from high school and move into post-secondary education."

HOSA, "Health Occupations Students of America," is a career and technical student organization devoted exclusively to preparing students to be successful in the Health Care industry. This is the first south central regional competition for the year, as well as the first time the event took place at Columbia State.

The students competed in events such as Behavioral Health, Clinical Specialty, CPR/First Aid, Health Career Display, Healthy Lifestyle, Interviewing Skills, HOSA Bowl, Medical Assisting, Medical Law and Ethics, Medical Spelling, Nutrition, and many other events related to the health sciences.

"By all accounts the event was a resounding success, and the competition was fierce," said R. David Johnson, Columbia State program director and associate professor of respiratory care. "As the winners were announced at the closing ceremonies, the screams and cheers could be heard throughout the Webster Athletic Building. Columbia State was proud to host this year's event."

High schools in attendance included Columbia Central High School, Culleoka Unit School, Fairview High School, Giles County High School, Independence High School, Lawrence County High School, Lewis County High School, Loretto High School, Spring Hill High School, Summertown High School, Summit High School, and many others.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.