Commencement Programs

Health Sciences First in Class Award

The First in Class Award is presented to the graduate who has the highest overall GPA in their program’s graduating class.

The Florence Nightingale Award

The Florence Nightingale Award is presented to the graduate who has been selected by his/her peers as the most helpful and inspirational to the class.

The Dale Featherston Nursing Excellence Award

The Dale Featherston Nursing Excellence Award is presented to the graduating student who has demonstrated flexibility, has a positive and caring attitude, has overcome barriers to be successful in the nursing program, and who has been able to continue in the program even with limited resources. This award is presented in honor of the late Dale Featherston, retired Director of Nursing at Germanna Community College.  

The Dr. Jane R. Ingalls Professional Excellence Award

The Dr. Jane R. Ingalls Professional Excellence Award is presented to the graduate who demonstrates the highest professional integrity and demeanor and is a role model for their fellow graduates.  

The Mary Blessing Gilkey Spirit Award

The Mary Blessing Gilkey Spirit Award is presented to the graduate who exhibits the same spirit and passion for nursing as the late Ms. Gilkey, previous Dean of Nursing & Health Technologies.    

The Katherine G. Korzeniewski Award

The Katherine G. Korzeniewski Award is presented to a graduating associate degree nursing student who has the highest overall GPA, is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, demonstrates leadership qualities, and is involved in the community. Katherine G. Korzeniewski was a nursing student who drowned while vacationing in Hawaii in 1993.

Martha Jackson Mentorship Award

The Martha Jackson Mentorship Award is presented to the graduate who has demonstrated characteristics of being a mentor to current and prospective nursing students and having good character. The late Martha Jackson graduated from Germanna Community College in 1976 and was a public health RN in the Fredericksburg Health Department. Ms. Jackson was a mentor to many nurses who followed in her footsteps and had a passion for helping nursing students succeed. 

Prior to the start of the ceremony, a video presentation highlights each program’s graduates reciting their professional oath, affirming their commitment to ethical practice, compassionate care, and service to patients and communities.

Clinical Medical Assistant Oath

I solemnly pledge to render service with full respect for the dignity of humanity. I will respect patient confidentiality. I will uphold the honor and high principles of the medical assisting profession. I will seek to continually improve knowledge and skills for the benefit of patients and colleagues. I will participate in service activities that help improve the health and well-being of the community.

Medical Laboratory Professional Phlebotomy Oath

As a Medical Laboratory Professional, I pledge to uphold my duty to the patient, the profession, and society by placing patients’ welfare above my own needs and desires; ensuring each patient receives care that is safe, effective, efficient, timely, equitable, and patient-centered; maintaining the dignity and respect for the profession; promoting the advancement of the profession; ensuring collegial intra and interprofessional relationships; improving access to laboratory services; promoting equitable distribution of healthcare resources; complying with laws and regulations and protecting patients from others’ incompetent or illegal practice; and changing conditions where necessary to advance the best interests of patients.

Pharmacy Technician Oath

I hereby promise to dedicate myself to the pharmacy profession and the beneficiaries I serve. I will follow all laws, standards and directives applicable to my profession. I will continuously increase my pharmacy knowledge, experience and skills in order to provide the highest level of patient care. I will work closely with Pharmacists and other medical professionals to ensure optimal medication therapy is  dispensed without error. I will ensure compliance with patient safety and ensure patient privacy in all matters. I am committed to this honorable profession and pledge to fulfill the duties and responsibilities placed upon me to the best of my abilities.

EMS Practitioner’s Oath

I pledge to preserve life, relieve suffering, promote health, do no harm, and support quality, equal access to emergency care.

I will serve every person with compassion and respect, regardless of nationality, race, creed, or status.

I will maintain confidentiality, unless legally required to disclose.

I will use professional judgment responsibly, continuing to improve my skills and knowledge.

I will uphold laws, standards, and ethical practice.

I will engage in legislative and regulatory matters affecting EMS.

I will collaborate with other health professionals and EMS colleagues.

I will not participate in unethical practices and will report concerns appropriately.

Physical Therapist Assistant Oath

I pledge to work within the scope of work of the physical therapist assistant and abide by the Code of Conduct of the PTA. I shall:

• Provide effective, efficient, and compassionate care to my patients and clients.
• Respect each individual’s right to privacy and dignity.
• Act with the utmost integrity in my professional interactions.
• Make sound decisions based on my level of competence, seeking consultation when needed.
• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and service to the community.
• Comply with the local, state, and federal statutes governing the practice of physical therapy.
• Protect the public from unethical, incompetent, and illegal acts; and promote high standards in the provision of physical therapy services.

With this pledge, I willingly accept the responsibilities that accompany the professional role of Physical Therapist Assistant.

Certified Nurse Aide/ Registered Medication Aide Oath

I solemnly pledge to cooperate faithfully with the members of the healthcare team and carry out the instructions of those who supervise my work. I will take care of the patients entrusted to me in a professional and caring manner. I will ensure the safety, comfort, hygiene, and protection of those entrusted to my care. I will refrain from performing any task or service requiring a professional license. I pledge to myself and those here today to do all in my power to elevate the practice of my profession.

International Nurses Pledge

In the full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick with all the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering and promote health.

I will respect at all times the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action which might endanger life or health.

I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and give loyal support and cooperation to all members of the healthcare team.

I will do my utmost to honor the International Code of Ethics applied to nursing, and to uphold the integrity of the nurse.

Interprofessional Oath

I pledge to respect all of my colleagues’ expertise and collaborate to provide care effectively, safely, and efficiently, for the betterment of those entrusted to our care. I pledge to encourage and assist in the lifelong development of all members of the healthcare team.

While serving our local and global communities before personal or material gain, I pledge to be an honorable and ethical member of the healthcare team. With this, I commit myself to those whom I serve in my profession and to practice collaboratively supporting high-quality, patient-centered care.