White Coat Ceremony

Welcome to the 2021 College of Nursing & Health Sciences virtual White Coat Ceremony

A celebration of sophomore nursing students “promoting humanistic, patient-centered care”

Congratulations to the more than 100 UMass Dartmouth sophomore nursing students who received their white coats in a special virtual ceremony as they begin their transition from classroom learning to clinical training. 

The White Coat Ceremony is held during nursing students’ sophomore year and is considered a formal welcome to the nursing ​clinical portion of their nursing education. The ceremony was established by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 1993 to welcome students into the medical profession and set expectations for their roles as future physicians. In 2014, the Gold Foundation broadened its mission to engage members of the entire health care team. In nursing, the ceremony symbolizes a commitment to compassionate, humanistic, patient-centered care rooted in scientific proficiency.

With inspiring words, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, RN of Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, served as the keynote speaker. A trailblazer, Congresswoman Underwood is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress. 

Students were congratulated by Dean Kimberly Christopher and Professor Paula Walsh. Assistant Professors Melissa DesRoches led the student oath while Miranda Brown-Tyo conducted the cloaking.