HU Department of Physical Therapy Celebrates the White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

HU Department of Physical Therapy Celebrates the White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies

Second year physical therapy students were officially launched into their career field during Hampton University’s White Coat Ceremony last week on Sept. 12, 2015. Students in the Class of 2017 were able to gain a sense of the Department of Physical Therapy’s core values, which include: competency, leadership, compassion, integrity and service.    

By accepting and wearing the white coat, the students showed their dedication to health care and the physical therapy profession. This ceremony recognized students who had successfully completed their first year in the program and will be gaining their first clinical experiences starting in October.

Pinning Ceremony was also held on that day, formally initiating the Class of 2018 students into the physical therapy education program and profession.  During this ceremony students received the “SPT” or Student Physical Therapist pin, the first of two pins rewarded in the three year program. Upon completion of the program the second pin, with “DPT” or Doctor of Physical Therapy, will be rewarded.

The CEO of the American Physical Therapy Association, Michael Bowers, was the keynote speaker for both ceremonies. Bowers was able to discuss his expertise in a variety of aspects due to his background as a therapist in the justice system, minister, and as the CEO of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Both events were held in Phenix Hall here on campus.  The ceremonies were emotional for professors, attending family members, and students who are now starting a new chapter as they continue their progression through the physical therapy program.

- Ryan Jordan ' 16