Physicals at Workforce Essentials

If you need to assess whether a job candidate can physically handle the role’s responsibilities, we can help. We can also assist with a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to take a DOT physical exam to evaluate the driver’s vision, blood pressure, medical history, and more. The exam ensures the driver can safely perform their job and not endanger their lives or the lives of others on the road.

Plus, we know your and your employees’ time is valuable, so we focus on efficiency. We can guarantee your employee will have little or no wait time for their scheduled physical. We will quickly send your employees back where you need them the most—on the job!

See us to schedule an appointment for:

  • Pre-employment physicals
  • Return-to-work physicals
  • Custom-designed physicals
  • DOT initial and recertification physicals, FMCSA National Registry certified
  • Spirometry testing
  • Group onsite physicals

Pre-employment Physicals

Before a potential employer hires someone, they may ask them to complete a pre-employment physical. The physical ensures the candidate can perform the required tasks for the role. These tests also inform the employer if the candidate may easily injure themselves.

Physical exams usually take place in healthcare facilities, conducted by a licensed professional. This physical evaluation can test several different abilities. Therefore, it can be either short or long, depending on what the employer needs to know. 

During the physical, the potential employee may

  • be asked about family medical history and other health-related questions
  • have a physical examination and record weight, height, blood pressure, and other vitals
  • take a drug and alcohol screening test

plus other exams

If the exam includes a physical ability and stamina test, the potential employer may demonstrate their

  • flexibility
  • balance
  • cardiovascular health
  • strength
  • and mental attitude while under physical pressure

Those required to take a pre-employment physical may include

  • Firefighters
  • Law enforcement
  • Healthcare workers
  • Private sector employees
  • Regulated employees who work safety-sensitive jobs, like commercial drivers

DOT Physicals

Candidates and employees regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) must also take a physical evaluation. This exam is more extensive than a typical pre-employment physical. Furthermore, a licensed medical examiner on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry must conduct the exam.

Employees who take a DOT physical include:

  • commercial truck drivers
  • bus drivers
  • airline pilots
  • train conductors
  • or those who drive vehicles carrying hazardous materials or weight over 10,000 pounds

Spirometry Testing

Spirometry Testing, pulmonary function testing, or lung function testing evaluates how well a current or potential employee’s lungs work. The test measures how much air the patient can breathe in and out as well as the amount of effort and time it takes to breathe in and out. Test results determine how strong the patient’s lungs are and if they have any lung problems, like asthma, chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and more.

A spirometry test may be required due to any airborne or respiratory hazards on a worksite. Also, jobs that are physically demanding or require the employee to wear a respirator may call for a pulmonary function test (PFT). Knowing an employee’s lung function can detect evidence of lung damage on a job site and prompt an employer to implement workplace changes to create a safer environment.

Lung function tests may be part of a routine exam.

Length of Time and Cost

A pre-employment physical takes around 30 to 45 minutes. But it can be longer if the candidate takes physical ability and stamina tests. 

On average, a physical exam can cost between $150 and $295. To be sure what a physical exam will cost you, contact us at Workforce Essentials in Tennessee.

Our physical services are convenient and by appointment at our Clarksville and Ashland City offices.