Dress Code for SLP Clinical Placements

Many graduate clinicians are excited to think about what they will wear for their clinical practicum. Before running out and buying a whole new wardrobe, talk with your placement site about their dress code for SLP clinical placements. Medical settings may require clinicians wear scrubs, or even scrubs of a specific color to identify your department. Pediatric settings require clothing that is child friendly, yet professional, and allows you to move (i.e., no heels).

Dress codes may vary by setting but there are general rules that apply to all. Most settings will have a ‘business casual’ policy, which is less formal than suit and tie but more formal than jeans and t-shirts. Some exceptions may be medical settings or facilities that have a uniform.

Below are tips for dressing your best and a few anecdotes about what has shaped my own professional style 🙂

Clothing

If you are at a placement that gives you the freedom to choose from your own wardrobe, think about the populations with whom you will be interacting. In pediatric settings, you will have clients who pull on things, including your clothing. In adult settings, you will be pushing around wheelchairs or helping patients transfer from the bed to the wheelchair.

You will be bending over, sitting on the floor, pushing wheelchairs, moving patients, and raising your arms. You will want clothing that is loose enough for you to move around in but not too loose. Do the stretch test before leaving the house- can you raise your arms, bend over, and sit on the floor without your midriff or chest showing? If so, it’s safe to wear but if not, change!

A quick note about pants vs. dresses or skirts- A lot of new clinicians want to wear skirts and dresses. This is a lovely business professional look, however not conducive for therapy sessions. Again, you will be sitting on the floor, bending over, and moving around the room. Skirts and dresses can be too revealing…..Another side note- you will be working with clients with pragmatic issues. I have had clients who like to look up skirts or get distracted by skin. Consider that your warning 😀

Shoes

You will want comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Trust me! I have had wheelchairs run over my feet, patients in wheelchairs who were three times my body weight, patients throw up on or near me, and I climb the stairs at least 10 times a day. Leave your best high heels or brand-new shoes for after-work social gatherings.

I now wear sneakers every day. They are comfortable and help me be ready for anything like exiting the building quickly due to a fire drill or getting up from my chair 25 times an hour.

Additionally, if you are prone to being cold, wearing closed-toe shoes is helpful.

Oh, and one more reason to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes- remember you will be working with clients with pragmatic issues. I have had clients be distracted by toes, to the point where they crawled under the table to stare at them. 

Hair

Hair should be clean and neatly groomed. Most placements won’t have a policy against dying your hair any color, but you don’t want anything too distracting. Again, think about your clients who will be easily distracted. You may want bright purple hair but maybe a streak would be less alarming for your clients.

You will want to make sure your hair is out of your face so that the client can clearly see your expressions and mouth. With some clients, like the ones who pull things, you may want to keep your pulled back. I have seen clumps of perfectly healthy hair pulled out by clients during a meltdown.

One more reason to keep your hair out of your face- I have had clients imitate my gross motor movements. So, every time I tucked my hair behind my ears, they did the same gesture.

Fragrances

Many people are sensitive to smell. I personally stopped wearing perfume in grad school because of this. Many of our clients can’t tell us what is bothering them. If they are being smothered by perfume or sensitive to smell, it can ruin the session. It’s best to eliminate this distraction altogether.

Jewelry

Jewelry certainly is a nice accessory, but you want to be wise with your choices. Avoid things that are dangly and can be easily grabbed. I have seen many necklaces broken and earrings pulled- ouch!

You also want to avoid things that make noise like bangles hitting together or clinking the table when you create your fabulous playdoh design. Speaking of bracelets, they get in the way of writing or typing. You will be doing a lot of writing and typing during the day!

Lastly, you will be washing your hands regularly throughout the day and reapplying lotion to your dry hands. Avoid rings or other things that can harbor germs or get in the way of handwashing.

In addition to your clients, think about the caregivers and professionals with whom you will interact. They will be expecting you to dress like the confident and knowledgeable professional you are. What are your favorite outfits? Let us know in the comments below.