School and Sports Physicals

Are physicals required for sports & school?

Schools require updated physicals to make sure students are healthy and ready to be around their classmates. Sports physicals are also required for most activities to help identify any health issues that could make playing unsafe. Even if your child seems healthy, these exams are important to catch any concerns early.

How & Where to Get a Physical

We offer convenient options to complete your kid’s physical, including same-day appointments, walk-in care or online scheduling. You may be able to get a school and sports physical at the same time, so let us know in advance if you need both.

Choose Primary Care If:

• Your child is due for a vaccine
• You need a school physical
• You want a same-day appointment
• You want to schedule online
• You want to see your primary care provider

Many of our primary care offices host school and sports physical events for existing patients, including expanded hours, weekend appointments and walk-in visits.

Pediatric Primary Care

Choose Urgent Care If:

• Your child doesn’t need any vaccines
• You need a sports physical
• You want a walk-in or next-day appointment
• You want to save your spot in advance or schedule online

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Sports Physicals

Your child's OSF provider is specially trained to perform athletic physicals which help identify and treat medical, bone and joint problems commonly seen in children who play sports.

What do they check in a sports physical?

At a sports physical, your child’s provider will check the:

• Abdomen and testicles, if applicable, to screen for signs of a hernia
• Bones and muscles
• Ears, nose and throat
• Flexibility and joint health
• Heart, lungs, skin and other major organs
• Height and weight
• Medical history, such as allergies, prior injuries, sleeping habits, eating habits and any health concerns
• Motor skills and reflexes
• Spine for signs of scoliosis
• Strength and posture
• Vision and hearing
• Vitals like blood pressure and pulse

How long is a sports physical good for?

A sports physical is typically good for one year. However, if there are any changes to your child’s health, like an injury, they may need to see a doctor before they are released to play again.

School Physicals

School physicals are well-child visits that allow your child’s provider to monitor developmental milestones, growth and ensure healthy habits.

What do they check in a school physical?

During a physical exam for school, a provider will check your child’s:

• Ears, nose and throat
• Heart, lungs, skin and other major organs
• Height and weight
• Medical history, such as allergies, prior injuries, sleeping habits, eating habits and any health concerns
• Menstruation history, if applicable
• Motor skills and reflexes
• Puberty and physical development compared to their age group
• Past and present mental health
• Spine and posture for signs of scoliosis
• Vision and hearing
• Vitals, like blood pressure and pulse

Your provider also administers required vaccines and may run basic bloodwork depending on your school district’s requirements.

How long is a school physical good for?

A school physical is typically valid for one year after the date of the exam. Be sure to check with your child’s school for specific requirements.