Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science

Fieldwork

Dress Code Requirements (Level I & II)

It is the students responsibility to find out the dress code requirements for a fieldwork site and to wear the appropriate attire. Students must be in compliance with the dress code for the facility. The Towson University name badge must be worn. Two short lab coats are recommended and a Towson University student patch should be attached two inches below the left shoulder seam of each coat. Cleanliness, professionalism, good taste and safety are the primary considerations.  Therapeutic user of self includes professional presentation of clients in manner, dress, and appearance.  The following is a non-exhaustive list of expectations:

a.   All clothing should be clean, neat, and not stained.  Clothing should not contain any suggestive or offensive pictures or messages.

b.   Perfume/aftershave should not be worn.  Any obvious scent  (e.g., tobacco, perfume or body odor) can be offensive or cause an allergic reaction in a sensitive patient/coworker.

c.   Fingernails should be kept clean with filed, smooth edges.  Long nails that could gouge a patient's skin or that could be broken in the course of work are not acceptable.  Acrylic nails, brightly colored nails, flashy polish/designs or chipped nail polish are not permitted.

d.   Unconventional hair styles or colors should be avoided.  Long hair must be tied back when providing services for clients.  Front and sides of long hair may be pulled back if that is sufficient to prevent hair from falling forward. 

e.   Appropriate leg and foot covering, as deemed by the facility will be worn.  Closed toe, low or no-heeled shoes must be worn for your personal safety.

f.    Tops should be of opaque fabric (not see-through), fit appropriately, not too low cut, tight or loose, and long enough to remain tucked in with movement (i.e., no bare midriffs). Tops should allow for raising of hands above head without exposing skin. T-shirts that convey a casual appearance are not to be worn.  For men, collared shirts and ties may be appropriate in many settings.

g.   Pants should fit appropriately, loose enough to allow for mobility but not to present a safety hazard by getting caught in equipment.  Pant hems should not touch the floor or be more than 2" above the ankle.  Denim jeans or comparable jean styles, leggings, or skintight stretch pants are not acceptable.

h.   Skirts or skorts may be worn, but should be no shorter than 2” above the knee and have no slits above the knee.

i.    Jewelry should be simple and minimal to avoid snagging on patient's clothing, scratching patient's skin or getting entangled in equipment.  Piercing- other than ears- should not be visible while working with patients.  All tongue jewelry must be removed.

Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science
Enrollment Services, Room 245

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5 p.m.

Phone: 410-704-2762
Fax: 410-704-2322