Pre-College Physicals – What to Expect and Where to Get One in Tampa, FL

Pre-College Physicals Tampa FL

Pre-college physicals are a standard requirement of many universities and other secondary schools. While you can schedule an appointment to receive the necessary examination from your pediatrician, you might have to wait several weeks (or even months) until he or she is able to fit you in. If you live in Tampa, FL, however, there is an easier way to get it done: Come to South Tampa Immediate Care.

We understand that back-to-school time can be busy for both students and their parents. For the convenience of our patients, we offer pre-college physicals – in addition to a comprehensive range of other non-emergency medical services – without an appointment. You are welcome to stop by any time between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on a weekday, or between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on a weekend. We’ll quickly and thoroughly complete your exam – and any required paperwork — and have you back on your way in no time.

What does a college physical involve?

Pre-college physicals have three main components:

  • Medical history evaluation – You may be given a written questionnaire to complete, or your physician will ask you questions verbally. Your medical history will include topics pertaining to both you and your immediate family, including prior injuries, major illnesses, hospitalizations, chronic conditions, medications, and allergies. You may also be asked about your nutrition, exercise routine, sleep habits, sexual health, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.
  • Physical examination – After recording your height, weight, and blood pressure, your physician may check your eyes, ears, mouth, throat, joints, abdomen, thyroid, skin, heart, lungs, and reflexes.
  • Vaccination update – Depending on which immunizations you’ve already had (and when you received them), your physician may recommend one or more vaccines, such as flu, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), tetanus, polio, meningitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or HPV (for women).

Rather than viewing your college physical as simply one more task to complete, you might think of it as a valuable opportunity to talk with a physician, check your health status, learn what to do to stay healthy, and plan what to do if a medical issue arises while you are away at school.

The South Tampa Immediate Care walk-in medical center is centrally located at 602 South Howard Avenue in Tampa. Many of our patients stop by for pre-college physicals while they’re out running errands in the area. Why not come in today?