What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The event is structured into two distinct rounds.

Round One is a written, multiple-choice test that assesses a broad range of knowledge foundational to medical assisting.

Round Two is the performance of selected skills, presented as a written scenario that requires critical thinking.

The core topics and skills covered in both rounds include:

• Round 1: Written Test (50 Multiple Choice Items, 60 Minutes)

• Professionalism (5%)

• Communication (5%)

• Medical Ethics and Law (10%)

• Office Procedures (15%)

• Health Insurance (10%)

• Infection Control (15%)

• Collecting and Processing Specimens (10%)

• Clinical Procedures (15%)

• Laboratory Procedures (10%)

• Medical Terminology (5%)

• Round 2: Skill Performance (Selection from the following)

• Skill I: Perform a Telephone Screening

• Skill II: Receive a New Patient and Create an Electronic Chart

• Skill III: Obtain and Record a Patient Health History

• Skill IV: Measure Height and Weight

• Skill V: Prepare/Assist with a Routine Physical Exam

• Skill VI: Screen for Visual Acuity

• Skill VII: Test Urine with Reagent Strip

• Skill VIII: Sterile Gloving

For competitive success, students must master the detailed steps of these skills as outlined in the official HOSA skill rating sheets.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

In a standard HOSA competition, the event is executed with precise procedural and timing rules.

Round 1: Written Test

This round is a proctored written exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions.

You will have a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the test.

The written test will measure knowledge and understanding at the recall, application, and analysis levels.

At the International Leadership Conference (ILC), no verbal time announcements will be made during the test.

Round 2: Skills Assessment

Top-scoring competitors from Round 1 will advance to Round 2.

In this round, you will be presented with a secret scenario that requires you to perform one, two, or three of the approved skills.

The scenario will include a challenging component requiring critical thinking and the application of clinical knowledge.

Judges will evaluate your performance using standard rating sheets.

Timing is strict for each skill (e.g., 4 minutes for a telephone screening).

Scoring and Requirements

To be recognized as an award winner at the ILC, you must earn a combined score of 70% or higher on the selected skills in Round 2.

Your final rank is determined by adding your Round 1 written test score and your Round 2 combined skills score.

In the case of a tie, the highest Round 1 written test score is used to determine the ranking.

Students must adhere to a dress code, which requires proper business attire, the official HOSA uniform, or attire appropriate to the occupational area for both rounds.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation for the HOSA Medical Assisting event requires a balance of rigorous theoretical study and hands-on clinical practice.

Actionable Study Strategies

• Utilize Official References: The primary references are established medical assisting textbooks, such as the latest editions of Medical Assisting: Administrative & Clinical Competencies by Blesi and DHO Health Science by Simmers.

• Master the Rating Sheets: The key to success in Round 2 is following the exact steps in the official HOSA skill rating sheets.

• Practice with Time Limits: For both written questions and skill scenarios, time yourself to mimic the competitive environment.

• Mock Conferences: Organize a "mock conference" at your school. Have teachers or local healthcare professionals act as judges and provide feedback.

• Active Recall and Flashcards: Use tools like Quizlet or create physical flashcards for medical terminology, legal concepts, and procedural steps.

• Create Scenarios: Practice with friends by creating hypothetical patient scenarios to challenge your adaptability.

Exam Centers and Locations

Unlike commercial certifications (like the CMA or RMA) that are taken at Pearson VUE or similar testing centers, the HOSA Medical Assisting competitive event takes place at HOSA leadership conferences.

These include:

• Regional or area-level competitions.

• Chartered association (State/National) leadership conferences.

• The annual HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC).

The location is always designated by the specific conference organizers within a school setting or a major convention facility.

Competitors must be active members of HOSA in good standing to participate.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Success in the HOSA Medical Assisting competitive event is a tremendous step forward for a student, preparing them for professional certification and a wide range of careers in the healthcare field.

While this event provides invaluable experience and a notable accolade for your resume, it is not a professional certification itself.

However, the knowledge and skills gained from preparing for and competing in this event are directly applicable to the following roles:

• Medical Assistant (Clinical and/or Administrative)

• Clinical Medical Assistant

• Medical Office Assistant

• Medical Receptionist

• Phlebotomist

• EKG Technician

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• Patient Care Technician (PCT)

• Medical Records Clerk

• Health Unit Coordinator

This event serves as an ideal launchpad, preparing students to confidently challenge national certification exams such as the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA) upon completion of an accredited medical assisting program.