Dress Code on Fieldwork

Students, as members of the health care team, should project a professional image to clients, their families, team members and the general public. This helps clients to relate to the student as a professional-in-training.

Students are expected to comply with the dress code of the facility to which they are assigned with regard to professional image and safety concerns. Specific dress code information is available for each site through the clinical facility information on the Quercus Fieldwork website.

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If there is no specific dress code at the facility, business casual is recommended. This is an important issue to clarify in your introductory letter to the facility if it is not clearly outlined in the information that the university has regarding the fieldwork site. In all cases, clothing should be neat, tidy, and free of rips and slogans.

Shirts should be professional with a minimum of a cap sleeve. Transparent fabric, low necklines and bare midriff are not suitable. Skirts should not compromise safety and should allow for the movement and positioning that may be required in carrying out fieldwork responsibilities.

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Footwear must have an enclosed toe and heel for foot protection. It is recommended that shoes have no heel or low heels and have non-slip soles. Sandals are not appropriate and should not be worn. Bringing a separate pair of indoor shoes may be recommended for placements requiring community visits to client homes.

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Hats are not to be worn, with the exception of religious head coverings, or placement activities / travel that take place outdoors.

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Name tags identifying the student and the university must be worn at all times while on placement. In all cases, as per COTO guidelines, students must be identified as a Student Occupational Therapist. Name tags should be formatted as follows:

First Name Last Name
Student Occupational Therapist
University of Toronto

(Students may also have their preferred pronouns listed)

In the event that a nametag is misplaced, the student should contact the Fieldwork Administrative Assistant at ot.clined@utoronto.ca (for UTSG students) or ot.progadmin.utm@utoronto.ca (for UTM students). A fee may be required for the replacement nametag.

Make-up, nail polish, and jewelry should be professional. Nails must be short, not interfering with client care and ensuring compliance with infection control guidelines and procedures. The wearing of any jewelry should also comply with the facility’s infection control policy.