Have you wondered, what does a medical assistant wear? If so, you are in luck! In today’s blog, we are talking about this topic. We are breaking down the specifics of a Medical Assistant uniform and their dress code.
Medical Assistant Dress Code Standards
Most healthcare facilities have rules when it comes to dress code attire. When hired, a new medical assistant should obtain a handbook with a section that has the written expectations for their official dress code. As a medical assistant it will be your duty to assess these policies and be aware of the appropriate dress code for your healthcare facility.
Does a Medical Assistant wear Scrubs?
A Medical Assistant’s uniform may vary from place to place. Typically, a Medical Assistant wears scrubs. An extra layer of warmth is sometimes recommended such as a long sleeve shirt or t-shirt worn by Medical Assistants under their scrubs.
Scrubs may be provided by some employers, while others require you to provide your own. Many employers only allow certain colored scrubs, as it is a way to identify your position. As we have discussed, a medical assistant’s uniform and their scrubs may vary some from place to place.
What Type of Shoes Does a Medical Assistant Wear?
Medical Assistants are required to wear closed toe shoes. These could be tennis shoes or nursing shoes. These types of shoes are good as they can be comfortable to stand in for several hours.
Keep comfort in mind! Make sure your shoes are comfortable because you will likely be on your feet for most of the day. It’s also important to wear closed toe shoes because working in a busy doctor’s office (or clinic) you never know what may spill or fall on your feet. In the end, it is important your feet have the proper protection.
Can a Medical Assistant Have Long Hair?
If you are a Medical Assistant with long hair, you will likely have to pull your hair back or have it tied back. Whether it is in braids or a simple ponytail, your hair needs to be out of your face. If your hair is not long enough for a ponytail, it is still suggested that you put it up so it is restrained.
Can Medical Assistants Wear Jewelry?
Medical Assistants may be permitted to wear limited jewelry, but again this may vary from place to place. “Less is more” is a good policy to abide by when you work in healthcare. Since you will be busy working with patients throughout the day, you do not want any jewelry that may be distracting or obtrusive. In many cases, it is recommended that Medical Assistants wear a watch with a second hand.
Can Medical Assistants Have Piercings?
Generally, as long as the piercing is not deemed offensive, it may be accepted in the medical field. Some healthcare facilities rules may differ, so please be sure to check your workplace dress code.
Can Medical Assistants Wear Nails?
Under the guidelines by the CDC, healthcare personnel should not wear artificial nails, or have a natural nail length of greater than one quarter of an inch long. Having longer nails means you could run the risk of acquiring infections.
How Much Does a Medical Uniform Cost?
The cost of scrubs will likely vary based on where they are purchased. You may be able to buy scrubs on Amazon for anywhere from $20-$40 per set. There are also local scrub shops where you can purchase these as well and usually around the same price. To have 3-4 sets of scrubs could cost you up to $160.
Additionally, there are places where you can get scrubs for a bit less. Stores like Wal-Mart and Meijer may carry scrubs that are cheaper than those previously mentioned. To invest in a pair of good shoes to work in a doctor’s office or clinic, they can be up to $100. If you choose not to invest in medical shoes, a pair of tennis shoes may work as long as they are closed toe.
When in doubt, always check with your office’s policies to see if your workplace has a specific policy regarding your specific situation. For example, if you are not sure if your office has a policy that states that you can’t.
Start Your Medical Assistant Training at Dorsey College!
The Dorsey College Medical Assistant diploma program gives students the opportunity to learn specialized skills that are necessary for employment in a medical office, clinic, or another healthcare facility.
Some of the things that students can learn in the program are infection control, pharmacology basics, administering medications, specimen collection and handling for laboratory tests, first aid, medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology.
Do you want to learn more? Contact us today to learn more about the Medical Assistant program at Dorsey College.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/download/hand_hygiene_core.pdf
