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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.
White Coat Celebration
UTRGV Performing Arts Location and Parking
See the campus map for location. Limited handicap parking is available. A visitor permit is not required for allowed parking in Lot E6 and Lot E19.
Save the Date for the next White Coat Ceremony
Summer 2026 White Coat Ceremony
UTRGV Performing Arts Complex
Date to be announced
6-8 pm
(Guests will wait in lobby area until the doors open for seating--usually about 20-30 minutes before the ceremony begins)
Date, time and place are subject to change (any date and time updates will be sent to students via email and posted on this webpage).
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. If there are any changes to this option, students will be informed.
- Selections must be submitted in advance by the deadline provided.
- Instructions will be sent to students via their UTRGV email.
- Yes, a mandatory practice session is held about one hour before the event.
- Students will receive instructions via email (arrive to the 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 seated in a designated area.
- 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 other guests are welcome.
- Guest seating is limited and students must abide by the seating instructions provided via their UTRGV email.
- Accessible seating is limited and there will be marked accessible seats. Ushers in the event room may also assist with finding seating. Accessible seats are on a first come and first serve.
- Seats should not be saved 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.