OTA Additional Policies

OTA Dress Code

General

• The Student ID must be worn at chest level and be conspicuous at all times.
• Polos must bear the Stanbridge University logo on the left breast of the shirt.
• Polos must be clean and unwrinkled.
• Undershirts worn underneath the polo uniform top may be short sleeve or long sleeve but must be white, grey, or black if visible  and V-neck style.  No other undergarments may be visible.

Shoes and Stockings

• Shoes must have a rubber/non-conductive sole. No high heels.
• Shoes must be closed toe and must be clean at all times.
• Plain, non-flashy sneakers are acceptable in solid, non-bright or non-fluorescent colors.

Jewelry, Hair, and Nails

• For women: The only visible, pierced jewelry that is acceptable is a small, single, stud earring. Hoops, rings, or dangling earrings are not allowed. Jewelry on the tongue, eyebrows, nose, or lips is not allowed.
• For men: Visible pierced jewelry is not allowed. Facial hair must be neatly trimmed to a maximum length of ½ inch to permit proper fit of personal protective equipment (as recommended by the Center for Disease Control), and not be of a faddish or unusual appearance.
• Only a plain wedding band is acceptable.
• Hair must be pulled back out of the face and off the shoulders. Hair color must be of a natural color; faddish or unnatural colors or styles are not permitted.
• Hair accessories must be plain.
• Nails must be trimmed and kept clean at all times. Nail length must be kept at a maximum of 2 mm overhang. Artificial nails are not allowed.
• Tattoos cannot be visible. Tattoos and piercing are discouraged while in school due to increased chance of infection and the ability to comply with Stanbridge and hospital policy.
•  Clinical facilities may have other requirements or regulations in addition to the requirements listed above.  Students must comply with any additional uniform requirements at the fieldwork facility.

Physical Exam

Prior to any activities at clinical facilities, students must undergo a physical examination, PPD skin test (and/or chest X-ray if PPD is positive). Failure to provide timely documentation of these medical requirements may result in the student missing a fieldwork course, and this may result in dismissal from the program. Students who do not complete these medical requirements will not be provided with special clinical sites that do not require the missing items. Only students who are unable to take particular vaccinations due to healthcare restrictions, and who provide appropriate documentation from their physician, are eligible for special accommodations regarding clinical site placement.  Students are required to complete and provide proof of the aforementioned information within two weeks.  Any absences accrued due to missing health records may be unexcused.  Also, any student who fails to submit the required health records by the due date will receive a Notice of Deficiency from the administration.  If a student has documentation of previous Hepatitis B vaccination (as proven by titer or documentation of administration of the vaccine series), he/she will not have to undergo a second vaccination.  The annual influenza vaccination is not required by Stanbridge University, but is highly recommended and may be required by fieldwork sites.

Health Insurance

Students are required to carry health insurance, throughout the duration of their program, at their own cost, and may be asked to provide a copy to program administration or clinical facility.

BLS Certification

Students must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) from the American Heart Association. Students are responsible for maintaining proof of certification, and its currency, for the entire duration of the program, at their own cost. Students without current certification will be removed from all fieldwork/clinical rotations until certification is renewed. Any absences accrued will have Attendance Policies applied.