HANCOCK — While competition is very educational for the Copper Country Intermediate School District’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), it is also extremely beneficial in other ways as well, according to Amanda Hermanson and Lorie Maki, CTE teachers for health careers and certified nurse assistant.

At the regional competition in Marquette, and the state competition downstate, HOSA members are given the opportunities  they otherwise would not get. For example, to establish networks with other students from all across the state, Hermanson said.

“We have veteranarians, doctors — they are all HOSA members, and they all say that’s where they really started their interest, helped them with their journey . . . it just opens up many, many doors for these students.”

In addition to networking opportunities, Hermanson and Maki take extra steps to make sure the students get as much out of the trips as possible.

“Once we (get) downstate, we also are able to coordinate with North Flight, a medical flight, and the Coast Guard to also tour and show the students that they are able to do some field trips at the same time so they have been very beneficial.” Hermanson said. “I think . . . it opens their eyes up to another avenue and (allows them to) talk to some health professionals that are actually out there practicing medicine.”