Dress Code

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  1. Lecture Classes
    First impressions are important. You are representing the school and your profession even while attending class. It is expected that you dress in a professional manner. All healthcare students at Wallace Community College are expected to wear designated uniforms to class based on their program of study. All PTA students are expected to wear the black WCC PTA polo shirt and khaki slacks to lecture classes, as well as off campus professional activities. (No hats or any type of head coverings are to be worn in lab or classroom)
  2. Laboratory Classes

    A professional appearance is essential for students in the PTA program. The following dress code applies to PTA lab classes:

    1. Shorts must be solid black. Black solid pants may be worn over shorts.
    2. Black bicycle shorts must be worn under all shorts to preserve student modesty.
    3. Shirts must be solid red (no screen-printing). A class t-shirt may be approved for lab.
    4. Females must wear black sports bras with back closure under t-shirts to all labs. A black tank top with thin straps that shows the shoulder and upper back is also recommended.
    5. Athletic shoes and socks must be worn except when necessary to be removed during practice.
      1. Flip-flops, clogs, or shoes with greater than 1/2" heels are not allowed.

      Laboratory dress for all labs is expected unless otherwise indicated by the instructor. Failure to dress in proper attire will result in loss of points from the Professional Behaviors grade. Clinical dress code regarding hair, nails, jewelry, perfume, etc., applies to the laboratory as well. No gum chewing is allowed in lab.

  3. Clinical Practice
    1. WCC PTA Program polo shirt, khaki slacks, and a blazer-length, white lab jacket is considered full uniform dress and must be worn at all time when in the clinical setting or representing the college, along with the clinical name tag. Students must wear their uniform at all times so that patients are aware of the fact that a student is treating them.
    2. Socks or neutral-colored stockings are to be worn at all times while in the clinic.
    3. Shoes are to be low heels with rubber soles. Athletic shoes or walking shoes are appropriate. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain an appropriate appearance of footwear. Shoes must be neutral without bold colors or distinguishing marks.
    4. No clogs or sandals are allowed.
    5. Extravagant jewelry is not allowed. This includes no more than one necklace and no bracelets. Small earrings only are allowable. Nothing that dangles is acceptable. Jewelry for body piercings is not allowed in the lab or in the clinic (tongue, nose, belly button, eyebrow, etc.).
    6. Hair must be tied back if longer than shoulder length. Hair, of any length, should be kept out of the face and eyes. Hair should be of a natural tone. Beard or mustache must be neatly trimmed. Male students without a beard or mustache are expected to shave daily.
    7. Nails should be clean and neatly trimmed so that tips of nails do not show beyond fingertips. Nail polish must be intact and not be chipped or "wearing off".
    8. A water-resistant watch with a second hand is required.
    9. Students should have a small notebook and pen with them at all times in the clinic.
    10. Each student must be identified by an approved nametag—obtained from an appropriate vendor of the college.
    11. Strong perfume, deodorant, hair spray, coffee, and cigarette smoke are offensive to many patients. Therefore, students must ensure against being offensive.
    12. No gum chewing is allowed.
    13. Tattoos must be covered when in the clinical setting.
    14. Students must abide by policies of the Program and clinical facility. If policies are different, students are expected to follow the more restrictive policy.