Pre-Employment Physical vs. DOT Physical: Which Exam Does Your Employee Need?

When an employer tells a new hire to “get a physical,” that doesn't necessarily mean every employee needs the same examination.

Two common occupational exams are pre-employment physicals and DOT physicals, and they serve different purposes.

Understanding the difference can help employees schedule the correct exam and help employers avoid unnecessary delays during onboarding.

What Is a Pre-Employment Physical?

A pre-employment physical is an occupational examination that may be requested as part of the hiring or job-placement process.

The exact requirements can depend upon the employer and position.

Bluestar provides Employment & Occupational Physical Exams for needs including pre-employment requirements, annual employee physicals, occupational health screenings, return-to-work clearance, school/program requirements and general work-fitness evaluations.

What Is a DOT Physical?

A DOT physical is specifically associated with determining whether a commercial driver meets applicable medical requirements for operating a commercial motor vehicle.

It isn't simply another name for a general employment physical.

A person starting an office, healthcare, manufacturing or other non-driving position may be asked for an employment physical without needing a DOT exam.

A qualifying commercial driver, on the other hand, may specifically need a DOT physical.

How Do I Know Which Physical I Need?

The best starting point is the documentation provided by your employer.

Look for wording such as:

“DOT physical,” “DOT medical exam” or “CDL medical exam”

versus:

“pre-employment physical,” “occupational physical” or “work physical.”

If your employer supplied a physical examination form, bring it with you.

Don't assume one exam can automatically substitute for another. If the instructions aren't clear, confirm the requirement with your employer before scheduling.

Can an Employer Require Other Testing Along With the Physical?

Yes. Depending on the position and employer requirements, an employee may have additional occupational-health or screening requirements.

For example, Bluestar provides workplace drug and alcohol testing in addition to employment physicals. Its workplace testing options include pre-employment, random, post-accident and reasonable-suspicion testing.

An employer or educational program may also have its own testing or documentation requirements.

What About Return-to-Work Physicals?

Occupational physicals aren't limited to new employees.

Bluestar's current Employment & Occupational Physical service also covers return-to-work clearance and annual employee physicals.

That makes occupational exams relevant throughout the employment lifecycle rather than only during hiring.

Can Businesses Send Employees to Bluestar?

Yes. Bluestar serves individuals as well as employers and organizations.

For businesses hiring regularly, having a testing provider that can support employment physicals and workplace drug and alcohol testing can simplify the screening process.

Where Can I Get an Employment Physical in Dallas or Plano?

Bluestar Blood Drug & Fingerprinting provides Employment & Occupational Physical Exams in Dallas and Plano.

Appointments are required for the current Employment & Occupational Physical service.

Employees should bring any forms or instructions supplied by their employer, school or program so the correct requirements can be addressed.

Schedule Your Employment Physical

If your employer has requested a pre-employment, occupational, annual or return-to-work physical, schedule your examination with Bluestar Blood Drug & Fingerprinting.

Schedule your Employment & Occupational Physical.