Student perceptions of the white coat ceremony in a pharmacy program in Australia

Abstract

AbstractThe white coat ceremony (WCC) is an opportunity to welcome students to the profession and highlight the essential characteristics and responsibilities of the pharmacist. After three consecutive years of WCCs, all pharmacy students enrolled at the James Cook University in 2017 were invited to complete an online survey designed to ascertain student perceptions regarding the effect, meaning and timing of the ceremony. The 78 survey respondents (response rate 56%) revealed that students at all levels of the program were positive about the WCC and were proud to receive a white coat (90%). They demonstrated a clear understanding of the role of the ceremony and reported that the preferred timing for the WCC was at the end of the fourth year (43%) of the program. This study revealed that the WCC was perceived positively and represents a worthwhile strategy for enhancing student connection to the profession of pharmacy.