The 2025 Allied Health White Coat Ceremony

Two students in white coats walk down an aisle during a ceremony as family and friends seated on both sides take photos and cheer in support.

The spirit of dedication, compassion, and academic excellence filled the Campus Hub auditorium as families, faculty, and friends gathered to celebrate one of the most meaningful milestones in a health care student’s journey—the White Coat Ceremony. 

This year’s event was especially significant, as it marked the first White Coat Ceremony held under the newly named College of Health Professions at Baptist Health Sciences University, reflecting the continued growth and impact of our health care programs.

On October 13, 2025, the College of Health Professions held its thirteenth annual White Coat Ceremony, honoring students entering the clinical phase of their programs. The Allied Health professions represented at the ceremony included students from Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Radiography, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, Respiratory Care, and Surgical Technology.

The White Coat Ceremony symbolically marks a student’s transition from pre-clinical preparation to professional-level coursework and emphasizes the professional standards expected of those entering patient care careers.

“Putting on a white coat isn’t just about changing your wardrobe — it’s about stepping into a role of trust, responsibility, and service. Today marks the beginning of your clinical journey, but more importantly, it marks the beginning of how you will define yourself as a professional,”
said Adair Olsen, senior Diagnostic Medical Sonography student and this year’s student speaker.

Dr. Jeffrey Wright, Baptist University Board Member and Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician at Baptist Memorial Hospital–Memphis, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of compassion, integrity, and accountability in health care.

A total of 69 students were cloaked in their white coats by faculty members, representing the eight Allied Health disciplines within the College. The class included:

  • 12 students in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • 3 in Medical Laboratory Science
  • 21 in Medical Radiography
  • 5 in Neurodiagnostic Technology
  • 6 in Nuclear Medicine Technology
  • 7 in Radiation Therapy
  • 4 in Respiratory Care
  • 11 in Surgical Technology
  • A row of Allied Health students dressed in blue scrubs sit attentively with their white coats draped over their laps during the White Coat Ceremony at Baptist Health Sciences University.
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography senior student Adair Olsen speaks at the podium during the Allied Health White Coat Ceremony, wearing her white coat and addressing classmates, faculty, and guests.
  • Allied Health students stand together wearing their white coats and blue scrubs as they recite the professional oath during the White Coat Ceremony at Baptist Health Sciences University.
  • Dr. Jeffrey Wright, Baptist University Board Member and Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician, delivers the keynote address at the Allied Health White Coat Ceremony.

On October 13, 2025, the College of Health Professions held its thirteenth annual White Coat Ceremony, honoring students entering the clinical phase of their programs.