Only 11 days after starting classes, members of the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies’ newest Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort took part in a milestone tradition—the Summer 2026 White Coat Ceremony—marking their transition from the classroom to clinical practice. The 12-month program is for students who already have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. It can be started in May or January and is designed to ensure students are ready to pass their licensing exam (the NCLEX) and begin clinical practice following graduation.
“This White Coat Ceremony symbolizes your potential to transform here into health professionals,” said Nichole Crenshaw, the school’s associate dean for undergraduate nursing programs and the evening’s host. “So, when you enter a health system as nursing students in the coming weeks, remember that we are entrusting you to do so with the highest professional standards of excellence. … The white coats you receive from your faculty tonight reflect the community of care you are joining.”
Regine Reaves, the director of undergraduate nursing programs, introduced the five nursing faculty members chosen to lead the coating processional. They were Professor of Clinical Giovanna De Oliveira, Associate Professor of Clinical Ruth Everett-Thomas, Professor of Clinical Juan M. Gonzalez, Associate Professor of Clinical Christopher Weidlich, and Senior Lecturer Erick Zarabozo.
She then invited all students and nurses to take the Ibis Nursing Pledge, beginning with a vow to “uphold the values of compassion, fairness, and excellence in nursing.”
The Summer 2026 White Coat Ceremony took place in the Shalala Student Center Ballroom on the University of Miami Coral Gables Campus. Photos and video of the event can be found here.
