Sixty-four Master of Science in Nursing students at Rowan University took a significant step in their professional journeys during the annual White Coat Ceremony at the Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions. The event, held in Pfleeger Concert Hall, symbolizes their transition from academic study to clinical practice.
The ceremony, which took place on Aug. 13, marks the beginning of their 750 hours of clinical training over the next three semesters. Students will complete their rotations in hospitals, clinics, and various health care facilities across the region, focusing on a diverse range of specializations.
This year’s students are pursuing advanced degrees and certificates in specialized fields, including:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner
During the ceremony, each student was individually called to the stage to receive a white lab coat, embroidered with their name and the school’s logo. The coats were presented by program coordinators, including Dr. Melissa Mordecai (Adult Gerontology Acute Care), Dr. Dorothy Iannaco (Family Nurse Practitioner), and Dr. Tyreasea Johnson-Mason (Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner).
The White Coat Ceremony tradition originated in 1993 with the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and has since been adopted by nursing schools nationwide in partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. It emphasizes the importance of humanism and compassion as a core tenet of medical and nursing practice.
