North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is celebrating a major milestone as its HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter makes its debut at the State Leadership Conference (SLC). The event, held March 16-18 in Bismarck, brought together students from across the state to compete in various healthcare-related events.

Cierra Erickson, a first-year Dental Hygiene student at NDSCS, made an impressive showing by placing first in the “Dental Terminology” testing event, earning a gold medal. Her victory qualifies her to compete at the international level this summer in Nashville, Tennessee.

Originally from Minot, ND, Erickson has been involved in HOSA since high school and now serves as co-president of the NDSCS chapter.

This is the first year NDSCS has had an official HOSA chapter, making Erickson’s achievement even more significant. The college is now one of only four post-secondary institutions in North Dakota with a HOSA chapter, joining North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, and Lake Region State College.

HOSA is a growing organization in North Dakota, with more than 850 members statewide spanning middle school, high school, and post-secondary education. More than 350 students attended this year’s SLC, highlighting the increasing interest in healthcare professions among students.

With its new HOSA chapter already making an impact, NDSCS is looking forward to further opportunities for its students to excel in the healthcare field.