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UA-PTC graduates leave their mark at international HOSA competition

Three exceptional UA - Pulaski Tech allied health graduates proved their skills on a global scale last week, securing top finishes at the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) held in Indianapolis from June 17-20.

Katelyn Jackson (pictured), a recent Respiratory Therapy graduate, earned third place in the international Respiratory Therapy collegiate-level competition. Jackson competed directly against elite students from across the United States and countries worldwide, including China, Korea, and Canada.

In the team events, fellow recent Respiratory Therapy graduates Amber Miller and Kennedi Tolliver achieved a fifth-place finish in the highly competitive Healthcare Career Display collegiate division.

These achievements mark a significant milestone. UA-PTC is the first and only collegiate HOSA chapter from Arkansas to ever compete at the International Leadership Conference.

Behind these student triumphs stands a structured network of faculty mentorship, institutional backing, and professional advocacy. The students’ success reflects the dedication of HOSA chapter co-advisors Lindsey Fricks and Bryce Miller, who provided the preparation and guidance necessary for the graduates to excel among 15,000 conference attendees.

This competitive opportunity was made possible through the direct support of the UA-Pulaski Tech Foundation in the form of a “Diamond Dog Grant,” that provided the vital resources required for the students and advisors to travel and compete at an international level.

The rigorous standard of UA-PTC’s health programs is supported by alignment with organizational frameworks like Arkansas HOSA and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), the leading professional association advancing excellence and advocacy in the field. By combining exceptional student drive with solid faculty guidance and institutional resources, UA-PTC continues to demonstrate how collaborative support creates clear pathways to professional success. Congratulations to Katelyn, Amber, and Kennedi on their hard work and bright futures in healthcare.