Pre-Employment Physicals: What They Are and What To Expect

If you're being considered for a new job, the employer may ask you to complete a pre-employment physical. While there are several types of pre-employment evaluations employers require, a pre-employment physical helps them determine how well qualified you're to physically perform the responsibilities required for the role. Learning what to expect during a pre-employment physical can help you feel more prepared for the process you will go through. In this article, we discuss what a pre-employment physical is, what to expect during a pre-employment physical and how a pre-employment physical is different from a human performance evaluation.

What is a pre-employment physical?

A pre-employment physical exam is a medical exam employers may require new hires to complete to ensure they're physically or mentally capable of doing a job. A pre-employment physical is a common step in the onboarding process for many companies, particularly if they want to ensure the employee is physically capable of performing the job-related responsibilities. Depending on the nature of the position, the pre-employment physical may be a short or long process. A pre-employment physical allows companies to evaluate the overall health status of prospective employees so they can make informed decisions about hiring. It also makes record-keeping easier since the company can better track changes in employee health over time.

What to expect during a pre-employment physical

What you should expect during a pre-employment physical depends on the position you were offered, as the purpose behind the physical is to evaluate your qualifications for that specific role. It's important for the person who's performing the examination to fully understand the requirements for the job in order to evaluate whether you can complete the tasks and duties associated with the position safely.You should anticipate during the physical to:

• Be asked about your lifestyle and other general health questions
• Have your weight, height, blood temperature and other vital information taken
• Be given a physical examination
• Be screened for drugs and alcohol, especially if the position requires you to operate heavy machinery or drive
• Have your vision and hearing checked

It is illegal for a doctor to ask a patient about family medical history during a pre-employment physical exam. If an employee goes to their own doctor and this is part of a pre-employment.

Types of pre-employment tests

There are several types of pre-employment tests employers could require to qualify for employment. They include:

General pre-employment physical

This pre-employment physical includes basic tests like checking the employee's weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and other possible vital signs. A nurse or physician may also examine the candidate's respiratory and cardiovascular health, vision, hearing, range of motion and reflexes.The doctor will also evaluate the candidate for any unusual swelling and bruising and determine the cause, if known. In addition to assessing the candidate's physical health, the doctor may also inquire about the candidate's ability to handle stress, discuss any mood or behavioral changes and ask about any medication they're taking.

Physical ability and stamina test

If you're applying for a job that requires you to perform heavy labor or frequent lifting, then the employer may require you to complete a physical that tests your stamina and physical ability. This test is designed to ensure the candidate has the physical ability to withstand the demands of the position. Ultimately, it helps the employer to identify the candidates who are most qualified and are least likely to injure themselves on the job. This test evaluates a candidate's:

• Flexibility
• Power
• Cardiovascular health
• Balance
• Muscular tension
• Attitude under physical pressure

Drug screening test

Many employers require candidates to pass drug screenings in order to qualify for employment. This could include a urine drug screening, hair drug and alcohol screening, saliva drug screening and sweat drug screening. For jobs where the responsibilities are particularly high-risk, these are the types of jobs most likely to require drug and alcohol screenings.

Psychological test

This test is designed to evaluate a candidate's mental health and well-being. During a psychological evaluation, a medical professional will administer different tests and ask questions to evaluate the candidate's ability to deal with on-the-job stress. The healthcare professional may ask about the candidate's history with depression or other mood symptoms and inquire about the coping techniques they use to handle pressure. The therapist or physician may also ask about the candidate's diet and lifestyle to give the potential employer a full overview of the candidate's ability to cope with stressful situations.