The start of the school year is right around the corner and now is a good time to make sure your child is prepared.

That’s why Essentia Health is offering special opportunities for your child to complete theirs.

Walk-in opportunities for sports physicals will be offered from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Staples Clinic, located at 301 Second Avenue Northwest. They will also be offered from 1 to 5 p.m. on the same day at the Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Orthopedics Clinic, located at 2014 South Sixth Street.

There is no charge for the physicals offered in Staples and Brainerd. Students do not need to be Essentia patients.

In Hermantown, the a sports physical night will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the Essentia Health-Hermantown Clinic.

The Essentia Health-Hermantown Clinic is located at 4855 West Arrowhead Road. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call (218) 786-3540 to schedule one.

The physicals in Hermantown are $57 if not using insurance. Please contact yours to check on coverage. Students do not need to be Essentia patients.

A sports physical, also known as a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), helps determine whether it’s safe for your child to participate in certain sports. It is recommended that it be completed at least six weeks before their sports season begins, so there is enough time to follow up on something if necessary. Most states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin, require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season.

State Rules and Forms