The Department is housed in the four-story, 160,000 square foot Health and Human Sciences
building (HHSB), which features state-of-the-art technology and labs and classrooms
designed specifically for health-related teaching and learning. The building also
has an atrium and rooftop garden where students can gather and enjoy beautiful mountain
views.
The Human Movement Science (HMS) Lab has a 12-camera motion capture system, 2 force
plates, electromyography (EMG), pressure mapping carpet, and a fully operation video
studeo. The HMS lab is utilized to conduct research, educate students, and develop
high quality video of human movement.
The simulation labs offer students hands-on and interdisciplinary experience using
equipment common to inpatient clinical practice and enables students to master assessment
techniques necessary for diagnosis and treatment. The simulation labs also serves
as “mediated classrooms” providing the capacity for the use of a variety of technology-assisted
instructional and learning strategies by instructors and students.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students have access to an expansive cadaver anatomy
lab in the building. DPT students also have an opportunity to teach PTA students
utilizing the lab.
The Balance and Fall Prevention Clinic at Western Carolina University provides team-based
evaluation, treatment, and consultation services for individuals who have fallen or
are at risk for falling. The team, representing physical therapy and audiology, provide
integrated care to help identify risk factors and other contributing factors associated
with balance disorders.
Mountain Area Pro Bono Health Services (MAPHealth) provides high quality, effective,
pro bono physical therapy, social work, and nutrition services to the under-served
and under-insured population of western North Carolina. The mission of MAPHealth is
to improve quality of life, health, and function of clients while serving the community
and fostering student education.
