Essentia Health encourages scheduling a sports physical for 2025-26 school year and beyond

Essentia Health is proud to start offering sports physicals for student-athletes, from middle school to college, across North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin that will be valid for next school year and beyond.

In North Dakota, sports physicals conducted on or after April 15 are good for the following school year. In Minnesota, sports physicals completed on or after April 13 are good for three years, and in Wisconsin, they are valid for two years when completed on or after April 1.

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

Forms are available online at ndhsaa.com (North Dakota), mshsl.org (Minnesota) and wiaawi.org (Wisconsin). Please complete and sign the appropriate form before your appointment and bring a copy when you come in for your child’s physical. This form may also be completed via MyChart with an active account.

"A sports physical can help you determine if your child has any health issues that might interfere with their sports performance or increase their chances of injury while competing," explained Dr. Tanya Diegel, division chair of primary care at Essentia. "But this isn't just limited to organized sports. Many children participate in physically demanding activities and hobbies, while others aren’t as physically active. Regardless, all children should receive a physical from their care provider."

Sports physicals can be completed on their own or as part of a well-child/teen visit. Well-child/teen visits are a great time to review your child's health in all areas – growth, cognitive and social development, illness prevention, mental health and more. These visits are recommended annually.

You can schedule these visits directly through your pediatrician or family medicine provider. You can also schedule by calling (844) 663-1068, online through EssentiaHealth.org or through your Essentia MyChart account.