The Significance Of Dress Code For Medical Assistant

The practice prides itself on the professional atmosphere it maintains and the positive image that employees present as representatives of this practice. This image is affected by the manner of dress we use within our office and the public when we are representing the practice. We are always searching for new ways to make our practice a better place to work. Offering everyone the opportunity to dress in business casual wear during the entire week offers a great way for employees to be more comfortable and to save money. We need to continue to present a professional image toward our patients’ and the public.

It is important that employees use their best judgement in dressing appropriately. Employees who prefer to dress more formally should feel free to do so. Casual business wear encompasses many looks, but it really means casual clothing that is appropriate for a professional office environment. It is clothing that allows you to be comfortable at work yet always look neat and professional. We ask that you consider each day’s activities when determining what to wear. Listed below is an overview of acceptable business casual wear, as well as a list of some of the more common items that are not appropriate for our office environment. Obviously, this list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Rather, these items should help set the general parameters for proper business casual wear and allow you to make intelligent judgments about items that are not specifically addressed.

A good rule of thumb is that if you are not sure if something is acceptable, choose something else or inquire first. Also, it is generally better to be overdressed than underdressed. If you work as a Medical Assistant, your job requires you to wear scrubs. These rules would only apply if the company is asking you to dress business casual for a special event.

Slacks/Pants – Wool and cotton slacks are acceptable, provided they are clean and wrinkle free. Inappropriate items include jeans, sweat pants, shorts, bib overalls, spandex and other form-fitting pants, and pants that are excessively worn or faded. Loose fitting pants accompanied by a long top or jacket are acceptable.

Shirts – Casual shirts with collars or blouse are acceptable. Avoid tee shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, halter tops, tops with bare shoulders unless worn under another blouse or jacket. Avoid clothes that are distracting and revealing.

Dresses/shirts - Casual dresses and shirts with modest hemlines are acceptable. Dress that are sleeveless but do not leave the shoulders bare are acceptable. Mini-shirts and spaghetti straps dresses are considered inappropriate.

Footwear – Items such as loafers, boots, flats, pumps and leather casual shoes are acceptable. Athletic shoes, sneakers (unless you’re a M. A. ), thongs and slippers are considered unacceptable.

Personal Hygiene – Maintain well-kept hair, good personal hygiene, and general neat grooming is expected.

Accessories - Jewelry tends to work best when it is simple and classic. Also, shoes belts and socks in a complementing color are necessary for completing a professional look. Let’s all work together to make the flexibility of business casual wear a positive experience.