 rotate(10)'/%3E%3Cpath d='M.038.113v.15l.15.088.15-.088v-.15L.188.025l-.15.088Z' stroke='%23c44900' stroke-width='.0375' transform='rotate(10)'/%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Each fall, spring, and summer, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Nursing proudly welcomes its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students through the White Coat Ceremony. This tradition marks their official entry into the nursing program and symbolizes their commitment to the profession.
During the ceremony, students are presented with their white coats—an emblem of their responsibility to provide compassionate, ethical, and professional care. Together, they recite an oath pledging to uphold the values of nursing and to serve patients with integrity and empathy.
Family members, friends, faculty, and school leaders join in celebrating this milestone, honoring the students’ dedication and witnessing the beginning of their journey toward becoming nurses.
White Coat Oath
I take this oath voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.
As a nurse dedicated to being a client advocate who provides excellent, high quality, safe (mind-body-spirit), holistic, humanistic, culturally competent care, I solemnly pledge that I will:
Consider my primary concerns to be the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering;
Act in a compassionate, empathetic, and trustworthy manner in all aspects of my care;
Apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal holistic outcomes for my clients/patients;
Exercise sound professional judgment while abiding by legal and ethical requirements.
Promote, advocate for, and strive to protect each client’s/patient’s health, safety (mind-body-spirit), and rights.
Accept the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and competence to help people help themselves maximize their wellness across the lifespan.
With this pledge, I accept the duties and responsibilities that embody the Nursing profession.
Our next White Coat Celebration
UTRGV Performing Arts Location and Parking
See the campus map for location. A visitor permit is not required for allowed parking in Lot E6 and Lot E19.
White Coat Program with List of Students Receiving their White Coat
Save the Date for the future White Coat Ceremony:
UTRGV Performing Arts Complex
Monday, February 16. 2026
6-8 pm
Date, time and place are subject to change (any updates will be sent to students via email and posted on this webpage).
White Coat Photo Gallery
White Coat Photo Gallery coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- UTRGV Embroidered gray scrubs and white coats (RN to BSN students only can wear their embroidered white coat).
- Both must be clean and pressed.
- No. A faculty member will coat the student.
- Selections must be submitted in advance by the deadline.
- Instructions will be sent to students via email.
- Yes, a mandatory practice session is held about one hour before the event.
- Students will receive instructions via email (arrive to rehearsal on time).
- No, attendance is not mandatory.
- Review the program (featured above) as it outlines the agenda.
- Leadership and faculty will be seated on stage.
- Students are individually recognized as their names are called.
- Each student walks across the stage to be coated.
- Students will process into the ceremony and sit in a reserved section.
- A student group photo will be taken at the event.
- Review of SON’s YouTube channel for short videos of former events.
- Yes, family, friends, and guests are welcome.
- Students will receive a designated number of tickets.
- Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No saving seats for late-arriving guests.
The following items are not allowed and may be confiscated:
- Weapons or firearms
- Food and drinks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Illegal drugs
- Inflatables/balloons
- Aerosol cans/noisemakers
- Strollers (they can be left, at your own risk, in the lobby area by the welcome tables)
- Business casual is recommended.
- Guests may take photos or video but must remain seated for safety and traffic flow.
- Professional photos will be taken by the School of Nursing (if available).
- Photos may be shared with students via a photo gallery.
- Photos may be taken in the lobby area.
- School of Nursing banners will be available as backdrops.
- Family and guests are not allowed on stage before, during, or after the event to take personal photos.
- No, the ceremony is not taped or livestreamed.
- If future ceremonies include viewing options, details will be announced on the invitation and/or via email.