10.4. Professional Dress
The IHP PA Program enforces a dress code in all learning environments consistent with the MGH dress code policy. In short, students will dress in a way that establishes confidence and respect for the institution, while maintaining the health and safety of all. Students are expected to consistently following these standards.
Guidelines for professional dress include:
Attire shall be clean, neat, moderate in style and appropriate for the type of work being performed. For example:
- Tops
- Shirts must adequately cover the body and midriff when standing, sitting, or bending forward
- Shirts must not have graphics, pictures, sayings, or cartoons
- Shirts must not have visible rips or tears
- Hooded sweatshirts are not acceptable
- Spaghetti strap tops are not acceptable
- Tube tops are not acceptable
- Pants and shorts
- Pants and shorts must adequately cover the body when standing, sitting, or bending forward
- Pants and shorts must not have graphics, pictures, sayings, or cartoons
- Pants and shorts must not have visible rips or tears
- Shorts must be at least mid-thigh length
- Jeans of any kind are not acceptable
- Skirts and Dresses
- Skirts and dresses must adequately cover the body when standing, sitting, or bending forward
- Skirts and dresses must not have graphics, pictures, sayings, or cartoons
- Skirts and dresses must not have any visible rips or tears
- Skirts and dresses must be at least mid-thigh length
- Dresses with spaghetti straps are not acceptable
- Hats
- Hats may not be worn unless for religious reasons
- Shoes must provide safe, secure footing, and offer protection against hazards. For example:
- Shoes must be clean and in good condition
- Dressy sandals are acceptable in warm weather
- Flip-flops are not acceptable
- Slippers are not acceptable
- Scrubs
- Scrubs may only be worn as required for labs and in designated classroom or clinical settings
For physical diagnosis classes, the student must wear clothing that allows free movement and access to the body parts being studied. Tank tops, shorts, and socks with close-toed shoes are typically acceptable.
For practical examinations, professional business attire is required and outlined in the clinical setting expectations below (sneakers are not acceptable).
In the clinical setting, unless otherwise specified by the guidelines of the clinical site or preceptor, and in all on-campus clinical encounters/simulations, professional business attire is required. Additionally, in all clinical encounters, on and off campus, the following guidelines must be observed:
- Clean short white lab coats with program-issued name tags identifying individuals as "Physician Assistant Students" must be worn at all times. Hospital- or clinic-issued I.D. badges do not replace the program-issued name tags.
- Jewelry: 2-3 simple rings on the hands and one or two pair of small stud earrings in the ears are appropriate. Nose and tongue studs are not allowed. No dangling jewelry of any kind. Students must adhere to jewelry restrictions and dress code for intra-operative settings.
- Perfume is an allergen and should not be worn.
- Fingenails should be according to CDC recommendations: short and neatly trimmed of a lenght that does not compromise patient care.
- Only clear or light neutral nail polish may be worn
- Closed-toed, low-heeled shoes must be worn.
- Hair must be worn away from the face and off the shoulders. Facial hair must be neat and trimmed.
Religious, Racial, Gender-Specific or Ethnic Attire: Nothing in this policy is intended to hinder the advancement of diversity at the institution. Reasonable accommodations may be provided when related to guarantees under Title VII and in accordance with the Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Policy