What You Need to Know Before Your Pre-Employment Physical

Before you slip on your uniform and smile for a company ID photo, you might need to pass another test. If your employer wants to ensure you’re up to the task, they may require a pre-employment physical. We’ve got all the details here.

Few things are more exciting than landing a new job, but just because you nailed the interview doesn’t mean you get to hit the ground running the next day. Many industries require new recruits to go through a pre-employment physical. 

It may seem like just another hoop to jump through, but for many jobs, it’s a crucial step to ensure your health and safety as well as the health and safety of your future coworkers. Some careers (police officers, commercial truck drivers, and the like) require you by law to pass a pre-employment physical. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to wander into the process blind. Phylis Muthee, NP, ARNP, and the team at Ezzia Healthcare PLLC in Everett, Washington, have years of experience helping people just like you check this important box. And in this blog, we walk you through some finer points so you know what to expect. 

How to prepare

You’ve already made progress in preparing for your pre-employment physical by reading this blog. Next on your to-read list should be the paperwork from your potential employer to get as much information as possible about what they expect from you. 

You may not be able to meet every health and wellness expectation overnight, but you can start making changes to get as close as possible. 

One of the most common examples is drug use. Most (if not all) employers screen for recreational drug use. If this applies to you, stop now. Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Washington, employers can still screen for traces of marijuana and decide not to hire you if you test positive. 

Furthermore, if your pre-employment physical involves lab work, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before arriving. 

Don’t forget these important items

Pre-employment physicals often include a lot of paperwork and documentation. Remember to bring the following:

• A valid driver’s license or other official form of identification

• Any assistive devices you use daily and/or on the job, such as glasses and hearing aids

• List of current prescriptions

• Immunization history

• Surgical history

• List of current medical conditions and allergies

Depending on your employer, they may have some specific forms they’d like us to fill out during your appointment. Check with our team to make sure you have everything you need. 

A sneak peek at your appointment

Each pre-employment physical is different. Some employers require complete stamina and physical ability testing, some require psychological testing, and some just need the basics. 

But for the most part, you can expect a pre-employment physical to look much like a regular physical exam. Our team starts by checking your vitals (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate), listening to your heart and lungs, and feeling your abdomen for signs of disease and other abnormalities. 

To complete your physical, we may perform one or more of the following:

• Blood and urine tests

• Tuberculosis test

• Vision test

• Immunity test

• Vaccination update, including tetanus, flu, and COVID-19

If you’re ready for your pre-employment physical or have more questions about the process, call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.