MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — West Virginia University Division of Physical Therapy held its white coat ceremony for 32 students on Saturday, where they received their white coats and signed the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics.

The white coat ceremony marked the student’s transition from all the coursework that they have completed over the last few years into the clinical phase of their education.

Dr. Stephen Young received the Mary Lou Barnes Distinguished Professional Service Award during the ceremony, an award given to a WVU Physical Therapy graduate who has significantly contributed to the physical therapy profession through distinction in teaching, research or service. Young was also the keynote speaker at the ceremony.

Ivan Mulligan, Chairperson and Associate Professor of the Division of Physical Therapy at WVU, expressed his pride in the graduates.

“I think it’s a long-standing tradition of a student’s recognition and all the hard work that they’ve done,” Mulligan said. “We’re really excited that they’re finishing up their classwork and we can’t wait to see the great things that they’re gonna do whenever they’re out in clinic.”

More information about the WVU Physical Therapy Division can be found here.