Understanding Pre-Employment Physicals: What to Expect

Pre-employment health screenings are required in many industries. When scheduling a job-related physical exam, it is helpful to know what to expect.

General Exam

• Usually, a pre-employment physical exam includes a very basic medical examination of your body, including eyes, ears, nose, throat and vital signs. Men may also be subject to the hernia check. Physicians look for signs of disease or other conditions that could affect your ability to perform your job duties.

Work-Specific Exams

• Physical strength and endurance tests, respiratory exams, x-rays and blood tests may be performed for physically demanding jobs or jobs that involve exposure to toxic substances. Jobs that require exposure to very loud noises may require a hearing test, called an audiogram.

Drug and Disease Testing

• Jobs in which certain diseases or drug usage could be a hazard may require blood or urine testing. Jobs dealing with certain segments of the population, such as health-care jobs, may also require immunization prior to employment.