PA students at Cumberlands earn white coats during ceremony

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program at University of the Cumberlands is proud to announce the PA students who received their white coats this spring, marking the successful completion of the didactic (classroom) segment of the program.

The white coat ceremony is a symbolic ceremony marking the transition from didactic learning to clinical studies. PA students complete four semesters of didactic education before receiving the white coat. The ceremony typically occurs during students' second year of studies. After the ceremony, they begin the clinical year, comprised of three semesters and ten clinical rotations. During these three semesters, they also complete a professional development course and a capstone research project. Approximately 27 months after matriculation, students graduate the program, prepared to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE). After passing the PANCE, they are certified to practice medicine in any specialty they prefer.

Fatimah Hussain, president of the UCPA Class of 2022, remarked, “This past year has been a real ride for us. The COVID-19 restraints affected us all and taught us a significant amount of patience, new medical practices, the importance of family, and to never take anything for granted.”

She continued, “What makes you a future physician assistant is not the white coat. It is the qualities you possess – your compassion, discipline, selflessness, and intelligence. The ability to practice medicine is a true blessing.”

Dana Campbell, director of the UCPA program, said to the students during the ceremony, “You all make me so proud. To persevere in light of what you have faced since matriculation is amazing to me. Congratulations on making it to this milestone!”

The following students received their white coats this spring: