A new job usually involves lots of paperwork, and the employment physical is often required as well.
We’ve put together this guide to show you what to expect.
Simple preparation will help you get through this routine exam and start your first day easily and stress-free.
Why Do Companies Require Physical Exams?
Let’s first discuss why companies require employment physical exams before we go into the details of the process.
There are several good reasons why companies ask employees to have pre-employment physicals.
- To ensure you can physically perform the essential functions of your job
- To establish a baseline of your health before employment (important for jobs with potential health risks)
- To comply with safety regulations in specific industries
- To reduce workplace injuries by matching physical capabilities with job requirements
- To protect both employers and employees through proper documentation
What Is Included in a Pre-Employment Physical Exam?
While the specifics vary based on the job requirements, here’s what you can expect:
The Basics (Almost Always Included):
- Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) measurement
- Vital signs check (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiration)
- Vision and hearing screening
- Musculoskeletal assessment (joints, range of motion, strength)
- Heart and lung examination
- Basic neurological tests
- Review of your medical history and current medications
For most office jobs, these basics may be all that’s required. However, positions with more physical demands might include additional components.
Potential Additional Tests (Depending on the Job):
- Drug and alcohol screening
- Blood work (a complete blood count and metabolic panel)
- EKG for heart function (common for physically demanding jobs)
- Strength and endurance tests (for jobs requiring heavy lifting)
- Respiratory clearance testing for jobs requiring personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Immunization verification or administration
- A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical (For people who drive commercial vehicles)
Where Can I Get a Pre-Employment Physical?
When your potential employer requests an employment physical, they’ll direct you to one of these options:
- On-site medical facilities (common at large corporations)
- Occupational health clinics specializing in workplace medicine
- Urgent care centers offering employment physical services
- Primary care physician offices (though many employers prefer dedicated occupational health providers)
If you’re wondering where you can get an employment physical close by, Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care provides them, and we have appointments at times that work for your schedule.
Our team has certified DOT examiners to check up on drivers for work, and we also have staff familiar with all kinds of special needs in each industry.
We provide a full range of employment-related medical services, including drug and alcohol testing, immunizations, fit-for-duty evaluations, and respiratory clearance testing.
How to Prepare for Your Employment Physical
Want to ace your physical? Here are some simple ways to prepare:
- Bring your ID and any other forms or papers your employer asked you to bring
- Wear clothes that feel comfortable and let you move easily
- Make a list of all the medicines you are taking, such as your prescriptions, supplements, and any over-the-counter medicines
- Know your history of surgeries, health problems, and any allergies you have
- Be honest with the healthcare provider about how you’re feeling and anything you’re worried about
- Get a good night’s sleep before your appointment
- Stay hydrated (but don’t chug water right before urine tests)
Will My Employment Physical Results Affect My Job Offer?
This is where anxiety often creeps in. Here’s the reassuring truth: employment physical results rarely impact job offers unless:
- The physical reveals you cannot perform essential job functions even with reasonable accommodations
- You failed a required drug test
- The position has specific health requirements mandated by law (like commercial driving)
Special Considerations for Different Industries
Different jobs have different physical requirements. Here’s what to expect in specific fields:
Healthcare Workers
If you’re entering the healthcare field, your pre-employment physicals will likely include:
- Tuberculosis testing
- Verification of vaccinations (hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, Tdap, flu)
- Testing for communicable diseases
Transportation Industry
Commercial drivers undergo specialized physicals following Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines, including:
- More extensive vision testing
- Blood pressure monitoring with stricter requirements
- Sleep apnea screening
- Range of motion and physical capability assessments
Grace Health Clinic has certified DOT examiners on staff who understand the federal regulations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and can provide the necessary medical certification to operate a CMV.
Manufacturing and Construction
These physically demanding jobs often require:
- Back strength evaluation
- Lift capacity testing
- Endurance assessment
- Respiratory clearance testing
Grace Health Clinic provides comprehensive respiratory clearance testing to ensure you can safely wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and fit-for-duty evaluations if you’re returning to work after an injury.
Understanding Your Rights During an Employment Physical
It’s important to know that while employers can require employment physical exams, there are legal limits to what they can ask or test for:
- Physicals must be required of all employees in the same job category
- Tests must be job-related and consistent with business necessity
- Employers cannot request genetic information (protected by GINA)
- Medical information must be kept confidential in separate medical files
Dealing with Pre-Physical Anxiety
Let’s talk about something the medical websites don’t mention: the normal anxiety that comes with pre-employment physicals. Many people feel nervous about:
- Health issues being discovered
- “Failing” the physical somehow
- The uncertainty of what’s involved
- Medical exam anxiety in general
Do know:
- These exams are routine and designed to be simple
- Healthcare providers perform these regularly and understand your nervousness
- Most findings have no impact on employment
- You can ask questions throughout the process
To Conclude
Your employment physical is simply one step in your exciting journey to a new job. It’s a regular step that helps ensure the job fits you well and you feel safe doing it.
With the proper planning and knowing what will happen, going through the hiring steps can go well and feel less stressful.
Remember that healthcare providers doing these checks have done tons of exams before, so they’re just trying to help and won’t be judging you or looking for something wrong.
They’re just taking some basic health information about you as you start this new job.
Finding Employment Physical Near Me: Get It Done at Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care
At Grace Health Clinic, we know how important it is to ensure everyone feels safe and well at work.
Our employment physicals check if you can do your job safely and ensures you are healthy enough for the work.
Benefits of Choosing Grace Health Clinic for Employment Physicals
- Convenience: We make it easy to find a time that works for you, whether you have a busy schedule.
- Efficiency: Our simple process helps get your physical done quickly.
- Expertise: Our team of qualified healthcare professionals has done many employer health checkups for different jobs.
- HIPAA Compliance: We value your privacy and follow all HIPAA rules.
Visit our website to schedule your appointment.
FAQs
How long does an employment physical usually take at Grace Health Clinic?
A quick physical will usually take 30-60 minutes, but DOT exams or more detailed tests could require you to be there longer.
The process we use helps to decrease your waiting time.
Is fasting part of the requirements before my employment physical?
Generally, no, unless specifically instructed. When you book your appointment, you will receive advice on any blood work that needs to be done.
Will my regular doctor know the results of my employment physical?
Not automatically. Results go to you and your employer (with limited information). You can request copies from Grace Health Clinic to share with your primary doctor.
Can I fail an employment physical?
Rather than “pass” or “fail,” the results determine if you can safely perform job functions.
Our healthcare professionals can discuss potential accommodations for specific conditions.
Are DOT physicals performed by the doctors at Grace Health Clinic?
We can conduct Department of Transportation medical exams for commercial drivers and give them the required certification through our qualified DOT examiners.
Will drug testing be done during my employment physical?
We conduct drug and alcohol tests at the clinic as part of our employment physical services.