WSU to host inaugural white coat ceremony for future physician assistants
OGDEN, Utah — Marking a significant step toward becoming physician assistants, 20 students at Weber State University will receive traditional white coats during a ceremony Dec. 14.
The white coat ceremony is hosted by the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine in the Dumke College of Health Professions, to recognize the first cohort of PA students who started in January 2023. During their first year, the students are engaged mostly in classroom and laboratory work. 
“This ceremony marks the transition from classroom to clinic,” said Sandra Stennett, department chair. “It’s a reminder of the task they’re about to take on as they step into the world of patient care.”
Starting in January 2024, the cohort will begin rotations at clinics and hospitals throughout Utah and into Colorado. Stennett said the second year of the program is “immersive training” where students provide full-time, real-world patient care alongside healthcare professionals.
“It’s a big deal for these students, and also for our community,” Stennett said. “They’re going to fill a critical need in healthcare.”
Weber State’s PA program focuses on primary care and adult hospital medicine, aiming to fill shortages in the healthcare workforce by placing qualified medical providers in the community.
Graduates of the program are eligible for national board certification and, once certified, can apply for a license to practice medicine.
Faculty advisors who worked closely with PA students will bestow the coats during the ceremony.
“They’ve really earned these coats,” Stennett said. “It instills a sense of responsibility, professionalism and the patient-centered care that will characterize the rest of their careers.”
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu