White Coat And Hood Investiture Ceremonies Signal Life Transitions For USD Physical Therapy Students

The white coat professionalism ceremony is a significant event for doctoral programs, as for the University of South Dakota Department of Physical Therapy, it marks students’ transitions from the classroom to the first clinical education rotation.

During this ceremony, students share their personal mission statements while being presented with their white coats, symbolic of the commitment to professionalism, integrity and dedication to patient care that they are undertaking. The ceremony is an opportunity for faculty, staff, family and friends to show their support and recognition of the students’ hard work and commitment to their profession. It is a memorable event that instills a sense of pride and purpose in USD’s Department of Physical Therapy students as they embark on their clinical journey.

The Department of Physical Therapy hooding ceremony concludes the students’ three-year academic journey and marks the beginning of their professional careers.

Graduates are invested with an academic hood representational of advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of physical therapy. The ceremony communicates the responsibility that graduates have in providing evidence-informed care to their patients, becoming lifelong learners and growing in skill and knowledge as health care professionals.

The hooding ceremony is a celebration of the dedication and perseverance that students have demonstrated throughout their education and serves as a recognition of their accomplishments. Several distinguished awards are presented to graduates and physical therapy program stakeholders in recognition of their contribution to the community, education and advancement of the profession.

It is a momentous event as faculty, staff, family and friends gather to honor the graduates and wish them success as they pursue excellence in the workforce.