School Physicals

Many schools require physical examination forms before a student can begin classes.


Where Can You Go for a School’s Physical Examination?

Many schools require physical examination forms before a student can begin classes, especially gym classes. An urgent care center will offer these physical examinations to any age group, including toddlers, children, teenagers, and adults so that they can enroll in preschool, elementary school, high school, or college. It is better to schedule these examinations several months before enrollment in a school to avoid the last-minute rush that occurs right before a semester begins. Make sure to bring along the official documents that are required by a school so that we can provide the proper information.

Receive Required Immunizations

The main focus of these physical examinations is to determine if a student has the correct immunizations for communicable conditions such as:

  • Measles
  • Chickenpox
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Tetanus
  • Diphtheria
  • Polio
  • Pertussis
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Meningitis
  • Influenza

Our urgent care center’s physicians recommend bringing along your immunization record so that we can complete your school physical form quickly. In some cases, we can also update vaccines that have been missed or that require boosters to keep you or your child healthy.

Vision and Hearing

The examination at our urgent care center will include checking your child’s height, weight, and overall health. We can also check a patient’s hearing or visual acuity to determine if an additional examination is required from a hearing specialist or an optometrist. For older patients, we can also discuss the sexual history and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. We may ask questions about smoking cigarettes or the use of illegal drugs.

Health Issues

A physician will check a patient’s throat, nose, lungs, and heart to find any infections or abnormalities. We can collect blood or urine to check for problems such as anemia or infections that require treatment. Our physician can check a patient’s blood pressure or look at chest X-rays to determine if someone has a heart issue or tuberculosis. An important part of school physical examinations is learning more about the patient’s mental well-being to address issues such as anxiety or depression.

Official Physical Examination Forms

Throughout the physical examination, a physician will complete the school’s official forms, making notes about any problems that are noticed. The physician may make recommendations about seeing a specialist for another examination, but you may receive a completed form that states that you are in perfect health.

Frequently Asked Questions about School Physicals

What are some of the vaccines required for school?

The vaccines and immunizations needed to attend school can differ from school to school, but some of the most common vaccines required to attend school include measles, mumps, tetanus, polio, pertussis, and meningitis.

When should I schedule a school physical?

You’ll want to schedule a school physical at least a month or two before the school year begins. This ensures you can get in for an appointment in time for school and you aren’t rushed.

What happens during a school physical?

During a school physical, the physician will check your child’s weight, height, and overall health. They may also check their hearing and vision as well as their throat, nose, lungs, and heart. They will also check their blood pressure as well as their mental health. For older teens, they may also ask about drug use and sexual history.

What should I bring to a school physical?

We recommend bringing vaccination records, any official school physical forms your school requires to be filled out, and insurance information to your appointment.

How often is a school physical exam recommended?

A school physical is recommended about once a year, but it can depend on your child’s health and what their school recommends.

Come into WellCare

If you are in need of a physical examination for school we can get this done in a very timely manner. Come into WellCare Urgent Care to complete your school physical today! You can schedule an immediate appointment online at our Cascade and Leonard locations.

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