Dress Code Policy

Student Pharmacist Dress Guidelines

 

Students must wear UCSF ID badges at all times, visibly, above the waist, with an ID backing identifying them as pharmacy students when on campus.

Students will receive feedback about their attire and grooming from faculty, course directors, preceptors, and peers when their appearance does not meet expectations for professional and clinical environments.

Simulated Clinical Learning Activities

For all real or simulated clinical learning activities (e.g. those that involve patients or standardized patients such as Skills courses, OSCEs), students are expected to follow the dress code as outlined in the course syllabi.

Experiential Clinical Learning Activities

Students in IPPEs and APPEs are expected to follow guidelines in effect at their experiential site. You will encounter variation in custom and expectations in different experiential settings. Observe other professionals’ dress. You are a guest in these settings, so please ask if you are unsure of what is appropriate.

 

The following guidelines are adapted from the UCSF Medical Center's Dress Standards for all involved in patient interactions and clinical learning activities.

  • White coats should be worn, and UCSF ID must remain visible.
  • All clothing must be neat and clean. Immodest attire or accessories may be offensive to our patients and standardized patients. Examples of unacceptable attire include: sheer garments, halter or tank tops, items designed to be worn as undergarments, oversized or baggy garments, garments such as leggings and spandex pants designed to be worn as athletic wear, soiled, torn or frayed garments, blue jeans, apparel with words or pictures unrelated to the professional environment.
  • Shoes must be safe, clean, in good repair, closed-toe, and appropriate for the clinical setting. Sandals and bare feet are unacceptable.
  • Moderation in jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and other accessories is encouraged.
  • Headgear, except required by religious belief, and headphones, are not acceptable.
  • Good personal hygiene is expected. Body odor, smoke, etc. should not be detectable.
  • The use of scented personal products is strongly discouraged out of consideration for patients and staff who are environmentally sensitive.
  • Nails are to be kept neatly maintained in a manner consistent with site guideline patient care.
  • Hair and facial hair must be clean, dry, and controlled so as not to interfere with patient contact. For example, students with long hair may wish to tie hair back so it does not fall onto or brush against patients.
  • Jeans and tennis shoes are generally not considered appropriate.

 

Common pitfalls to avoid include:

  • Torn clothing, visible undergarments
  • Clothing that reveals too much skin, including when you bend, stretch, or lean over (i.e., cropped, low-cut, or sheer tops; very low-riding pants; etc.)
  • Open-toe shoes (to avoid needles, sharps, or substances from dropping on your feet)

 

Patients vary in sensitivity to and in expectations about the appearance of their health care providers. The goal is to convey professionalism and respect with your grooming and attire. As a general guideline, it is advisable to select attire that aligns with widely accepted standards in a professional healthcare environment. These guidelines were adapted for the PharmD program based on guidelines in the UCSF School of Medicine. 

Approved CEPC 6/3/2025