The White Coat Ceremony is a tradition that signifies a student’s transition into the clinical years of the pharmacy program. During the ceremony, students who have completed the first part of the Doctor of Pharmacy program are donned a white coat; a recognized symbol of clinical service and patient care. This event is meant to reflect the responsibility, professionalism, and commitment expected of pharmacy professionals.
The importance of fostering professionalism in student pharmacists early in their academic careers cannot be overstated. Academic researchers have recommended that schools and colleges of pharmacy launch the topic of professional socialization early, and longitudinally nurture professionalization in students throughout the professional degree program. An often-cited component of the professional years of pharmacy students is the white coat ceremony, which serves as a well-established symbolic rite of passage for students entering the pharmacy profession. The white coat ceremony, often culminating with students’ acknowledgment of professional excellence, serves to initiate the process of student professionalization.
At these events, students are charged to publicly demonstrate their professional skills and competence to meet the expectations established by the pharmacy community. The White Coat Ceremony, as it is known today, first began at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and has been adopted by numerous colleges and schools involved in educating and training students interested in a wide range of health and medical-related professions. The Central university School of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony is a tradition expected to continue forever.
Objectives:
- To usher students into their clinical and rotational years in school.
- To encourage students to demonstrate professional skills and competence in relation to the pharmacy profession.
- To help students to know what to expect in their clinical years.
