School and Sports Physicals

​​The Nebraska State Law requires school physical exams before entering kindergarten and seventh grade. These exams must be conducted no more than 6 months before school starts in the fall, which means parents can beat the rush by setting up school physical appointments in the spring for the following school year.

• Kindergarten and seventh grade physicals may be scheduled after March 1st.
• Annual sports physicals may be scheduled after May 1st.

Boys Town Pediatrics recommends that ​your child receive annual health maintenance checkups, even though it is not required by your school. A good way to remember your child's checkup is to schedule this around your child's birthday. These checkups are a great time to talk with your pediatrician about any questions or concerns regarding ​your child's health, development or growth.

What to Expect at Back to School Physicals

Kindergarten & Seventh Grade Physicals

• Review immunization record
• Check height, weight and body mass index
• Perform a full developmental assessment
• Screen your child's vision and hearing
• Perform a thorough physical exam
• Discuss safety issues
• Provide anticipatory guidance regarding nutrition, sleep and behavior

In addition to the above, seventh grade physicals include a one-on-one consultation with a physician about hygiene, relationships, social and school activities, and any questions the child may have about his/her physical or mental health.

Hemoglobin levels and urine tests are no longer routine checks in either of the standard physicals and will only be collected if indicated.

What to Expect at Sports Physicals

If your child is planning on participating in a school or organized sporting activity, he or she will need an annual sports physical. Check with your child's school or organization as these physicals may be required before tryouts.

• Check his height and weight
• Perform a full developmental assessment
• Perform a thorough physical exam
• Discuss safety issues
• Provide anticipatory guidance regarding nutrition, sleep and behavior

You will receive a form from your child's school that you should bring to the appointment. Your pediatrician will fill out the needed information regarding the physical exam and any health concerns regarding your child as well as attach your child's immunization record.

Appointments for school and sports physicals have a tendency to fill up fast so give your pediatrician a call well in advance and please allow a full hour for the examination.