Policy for SCPE Standards of Dress & Appearance

ARC-PA 5th ed Standard A3.06

The student should maintain a professional appearance and appropriate attire whenever representing GWU and the PA profession in any setting. Being neatly dressed and well-groomed exemplifies professionalism. Certain SCPE sites will have a site-specific dress code above and beyond the PA program dress code.  In this case, the site’s dress code will supersede that of the school.  All attire must be appropriately fit to enable the wearer to perform their duties and maintain a professional appearance.  Repeat violations of the dress code are professionalism violations and are subject to disciplinary action as previously described.

The student should adhere to the following dress code at SCPE sites:

  • Skirt or dress length must be no shorter than 2-inches above the knee.
  • All shoes worn in the clinical setting must be closed-toe only to comply with OSHA standards.
  • The short white coat with embroidered school logo must be well-maintained and worn while at clinical sites.
  • Display a GWU identification badge and any student identification provided by the SCPE site according to site policy.
  • Scrubs are generally restricted to areas with a high risk of blood and other bodily fluid exposures (e.g., surgery, OB, ER). However, scrubs or tennis shoes may be worn during regular clinic hours if the SCPE preceptor allows.
  • The student is restricted from wearing surgical scrubs into the operating room if worn outside of the OR locker/changing room/hospital.
  • Hair should be neat, clean, and natural colors (no blue, wild red, green, pink, purple, etc.)
  • Hair should be styled off the face and out of the eyes.
  • Longer hair should be secured to avoid interference with patients or work duties.
  • Avoid scarves or ribbons unless culturally appropriate.
  • Facial hair must be neatly trimmed.
  • Nails must be clean and well-trimmed.
  • Jewelry must be limited and understated.
    • Wedding rings, a watch, and a small bracelet are permissible. However, at times, the student will be required to remove these for training purposes.
    • No more than two pairs of non-dangling earrings, including helical/cartilaginous ear piercings, are allowed.
  • Other visible body piercings are to be removed during clinic duties.
  • The student should make all attempts to cover any visible tattoo.
  • Necklaces may be worn as long as they do not distract from or interrupt the delivery of direct patient care. Students should avoid wearing long necklaces that could obscure the clinical exam field, touch the patient, or be used as a weapon.
  • Makeup, if used, should be tasteful.

The Following are Prohibited During the Clinical Year:

  • Perfume, cologne, or fragranced body lotions
  • Gauge earrings, tragus piercings, eyebrow or nasal piercings, and any additional visible piercings other than those previously described as acceptable
  • Nail polish must not be worn during surgical SCPEs.
  • False fingernails or overlays (possible sources of contamination and prohibited at surgical sites)
  • Midriffs and plunging necklines that expose cleavage
  • Clothing with holes or rips/tears
  • Open-toe shoes

Callback Days Dress Code:

  • Dress guidelines will be provided in the CBDs schedule posted in Blackboard
  • Unless otherwise specified by the DCE or ADCE, Fridays should be considered a Gardner-Webb Spirit Day, wearing Gardner-Webb University t-shirts/sweatshirts, etc. No sweatpants or yoga pants are allowed.

If the student is dressed inappropriately, the student may be removed from clinical training or classes and asked to report to the director.