Training Clinicians to Save and Change Lives

The Department of Therapeutic and Clinical Healthcare prepares healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable and skillful. Through a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical education, our students become well-rounded practitioners who are proficient in their disciplines. Our faculty are dedicated educators, scholars, and clinicians who are deeply engaged in their professions and committed to improving the student experience. Graduates are prepared to understand and engage in solutions to real-world health problems using the latest evidence-based practices. 

Explore Our Programs

AT student helping at football game

Athletic Trainers (ATs) are healthcare professionals who provide patient-centered care in collaboration with a physician. As part of the healthcare team, services provided by ATs include injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program is a 2-year program preparing graduates to be professionally engaged while delivering high quality patient-centered care as athletic trainers.  Learn more about MSAT

CPR dummy
Paramedics and EMTs are the front-line in the on-going efforts to improve the emergency health care delivery systems in America. Paramedics respond to medical and traumatic emergencies, stabilize patients on-scene using state-of-the-art medical technology, and monitor patients during transport to hospitals and trauma centers.  Learn more about EMC
Nutrition and Dietetics students in lab
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are experts in food and nutrition. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. They may do so through management, clinical practice, community and public health, business, or education and research.

Learn more about Nutrition and Dietetics Program

Learn About Our Dietetics Internship Program
Students in adaptive wheelchairs
Recreational therapists help people improve their holistic health and well-being, including reducing stress and improving coping skills; recovering basic physical and mental abilities; and building confidence to socialize effectively. Recreational therapy students learn to use active interventions when working with individuals with illnesses or disabling conditions. Learn more about RT
SHS students sit together
Students within the Department of Therapeutic & Clinical Healthcare will be assigned an advisor that supports success within their program and success at Western Carolina University. Undergraduate students are asked to meet with their advisor at least once a semester, allowing students the chance to have one-on-one attention where they can discuss: current and future classes, registration, academic and professional goals, graduate/professional programs, graduation, and campus resources.  Learn more about the Health Sciences Student Services Center