The University of Northern Iowa made history on Saturday, Sept. 28, by hosting its inaugural Nursing White Coat Ceremony, a symbolic event welcoming the first cohort of students into the university’s newly established bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. With family, faculty and university leadership present, the ceremony marked the beginning of these students’ journey toward becoming future leaders in health care.

This significant milestone celebrates the importance of compassionate, collaborative and scientifically excellent care — values that are central to the nursing profession. Each student was presented with a white coat, signifying their entry into professional nursing education. Students also took the nursing oath, demonstrating their commitment to humanistic patient care.

During the event, attendees heard remarks from Robert Good, retired chief medical officer of Health Alliance Medical Plans and Carle Health System Medical Management who is a UNI alum and award-winning physician. Also speaking at the event were nursing faculty and UNI President Mark Nook.

“We are incredibly proud of these students and excited to see them continue on this transformative journey,” said Nancy Kertz, UNI’s chief academic nurse administrator. “This ceremony is a special moment that highlights their dedication to the profession and their bright futures in health care.”

Over the next three years, these students will continue their education at the University of Northern Iowa, training in a hands-on learning environment to ensure they are practice-ready by the time they graduate. UNI looks forward to many more white coat ceremonies in the future. The BSN program will continue to grow, adding larger cohorts each semester.