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OT Students Celebrate Rite of Passage

March 30, 2023

OT students

Thirty-three members of the Master of Occupational Therapy Class of 2024 at LSU Health New Orleans School of Allied Health Professions reached a milestone this month. As their loved ones looked on, faculty welcomed them to health care practice at a White Coat Ceremony. One by one, faculty “coated” the students, placing the mantle of professional practice on the students’ shoulders. The white coat is an iconic symbol of the transition from the classroom to clinical care.

Dr. Ingrid Franc, Interim Occupational Therapy Department Head, spoke and also presented the Outstanding Alumna Award to Marie Celeste Robichaux, MOT, LOTR.

Mark Blanchard, OTD, ATP, LOTR; Ingrid Franc, PhD, LOTR; Alanna Glapion, MSOT, LOTR; and Brandon Walker, OTD, LOTR, served as faculty coaters.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the Ceremony was the Occupational Therapy Oath that the Class recited in unison. They pledged to:

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Leslie Capo

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Endeavor to keep both the profession and the occupational needs of the clients and communities I serve foremost in my thoughts and actions;

Deliver occupational therapy services that demonstrate excellence at all levels of care while valuing and honoring diversity and respecting others as equals;

Advocate for needed services and the rights of clients regardless of the constraints I may face;

Strive to always act in a manner that is consistent with the philosophical base and values of the profession by upholding the occupational therapy code of ethics, abiding with those in need of care even in the face of personal risk, and upholding the dignity of all human beings regardless of their condition; and

Model and foster leadership, and facilitate spiritual, personal, and professional growth for myself, my profession and in others.
Occupational therapy practitioners work with people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, or developmental or psychological impairment, need specialized assistance in learning skills to enable them to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Occupational therapy can prevent injury, or the worsening of existing conditions or disabilities and it promotes independent functioning in individuals who may otherwise require institutionalization or other long-term care. Because of this, occupational therapy keeps health care costs down and maximizes the quality of life for individuals, their families, and other caregivers. Occupational therapy practitioners also address psychological, social, and environmental factors that may impede independent functioning in all aspects of life. This unique perspective makes occupational therapy a critically important part of a health care program.