Professional Physicals – How Often Do I Need to Get Examined?

Quick links:

DOT/CDL Physicals
Police Physicals
Firefighter Physicals
FAA Pilot Physicals
Guard Physicals

When Do I Need a Physical?

DOT/CDL Physicals

Colorado law states that drivers with a CDL must have an up-to-date DOT medical exam or they are no longer qualified to operate a commercial vehicle. DOT physicals are valid for 2 years and must be given by an FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner. DOT physicals are valid for 2 years. If your DOT physical is expired, you must downgrade your CDL to a regular license.

At Occupational Medical Partners, we require all our physicians to remain FMCSA-certified to provide DOT exams.

Police & Firefighter Physicals

Given the variety of challenges that police and firefighters may encounter on a given day, the physical evaluations they must undergo are more complex than a traditional physical exam.

  • Law enforcement officers in Colorado are required to get a physical prior to appointment and when they recertify. Police certifications are valid for 3 years.
  • Firefighters in Colorado must also get a physical before being appointed and when they recertify. Firefighter certifications are valid for 3 years, while wildland firefighter certs are valid for 5 years.

Occupational Medical Partners stays up-to-date with all local and state regulations for our police and firefighter physicals.

FAA Pilot Physicals

The Federal Aviation Administration mandates that private, recreational, and student pilots – including instructors – must hold a third-class medical certificate to fly. Pilots must undergo a physical exam with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner to obtain an Airman Medical Certificate. For pilots under 40 years old, certificates are valid for 5 years. For pilots over 40, certificates are valid for 2 years.

Occupational Medical Partners is proud to have FAA-certified physicians on staff who can provide FAA physicals and Airman Medical Certificates.

Guard Physicals

Colorado does not require a physical to become a merchant guard or security officer. However, many employers do require a pre-placement physical to ensure that applicants are physically able to perform their duties. Guard physicals are performed by licensed practitioners. Individual company policy may also dictate whether employees require routine physical exams.

Merchant guard/security officer physicals can be done at any of our Colorado locations.

Other Times You May Need to Take a Physical Include:

  • Pre-placement/pre-employment – Pre-placement or pre-employment exams ensure that people can meet the physical requirements of the job they’re applying for.
  • Return-to-work – After a workplace injury, accident, or other incident, return-to-work physicals verify that an employee is able to safely return to the workplace.

At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, our mission is to deliver the highest quality of occupational health care and physical rehabilitation to return patients to their highest level of function. Our team is dedicated to employers and patients, and we strive to develop strong, positive relationships with a culture based on safety, transparency, empathy, and trust. To find out more, find our location nearest to you.

Let Colorado Occupational Medical Partners be your source for occupational therapies and care in Colorado.