Personal Appearance Policy

Personnel in the health care field must present to the general public, as well as to patients, a manner and appearance which will instill security and confidence.  Patients have a variety of opinions, beliefs and convictions. Negative personal appearance may alarm patients and visitors and interfere with or even prevent the acceptance of needed medical services.

Professional standards of appearance are important to the overall quality of patient care.  For example, a high level of personal cleanliness is maintained as a standard for hospital employment.  Poor oral hygiene, offensive body odors, unkempt hair, too much make-up and other signs of poor personal hygiene cannot be tolerated.

The following standards are therefore established for all HCC Medical Assisting Students.

1. All students are required to wear MAI Program (tops and pants) scrubs as the selected uniform at all times for externships/clinicals. Shoes must be appropriate low-heeled clinic shoes. Canvas tennis shoes, sandals, or any open-toed shoes are not permitted.
2. The selected professional uniforms are to be worn to all facilities. For women, skirt length should be at or below knee length.
3. Hair of a length that extends over the collar should be neatly tied back in order to meet safety regulations­­. Hair must be worn in a neat and well-groomed fashion.
4. All fingernails are to be kept trimmed and clean.
5. All jewelry worn must be kept to a minimum; for example, only a simple wedding ring, professional appearing wrist watches and small simple earrings, nothing that dangles. No facial piercings/jewelry allowed.
6. No strong perfumes, colognes or aftershaves should be used.
7. Proper safety attire must be worn at all times, according to clinical policy including eye protection, etc., when needed.
8. All tattoos must be covered so as not to be visible.

Students are subject to any special requirements of the individual medical facility.