White coat ceremonies are a rite of passage for students entering the health-care profession and symbolize the beginning of a career in science and treating patients.

Twenty-eight first year students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in The University of Toledo’s College of Health and Human Services will receive their traditional white coats during a formal ceremony 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 in Student Union Room 2582.

The keynote speaker for the ceremony is Tim Berta, former Bluffton Baseball team member and survivor of a 2007 bus accident that occurred while the team was traveling to Florida.

“Mr. Berta will share his remarkable story of recovery after the accident,” said Dr. Michelle Masterson, associate professor and director of the Physical Therapy Program. “His inspirational story helps students to not only see the huge impact that physical therapy can have on a patient’s life, but also what hard work and perseverance can accomplish.”

Physical therapists are experts in the evaluation, treatment and prevention of movement dysfunction, such as conditions arising from injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis or developmental disability. UT’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Tags: College of Health and Human Services