Physical Therapy Facilities

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.