The Physician Assistant (PA) and Physical Therapy (PT) programs at Wichita State have joined the Wichita Area Technical College (WATC) health professions programs in the newest WSU Old Town building. 

The new facility occupies the former Airbus Engineering building following its move to WSU’s Innovation Campus. The building was completely remodeled and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Aug. 31.

The state-of-the-art facility features large classrooms, modern work spaces, a simulation hospital with a general emergency room, labor and delivery and exam rooms, a surgical lab with cutting-edge simulators, a SynDaver (synthetic human) lab and a student lounge area. Visitors are greeted with a large WuShock painted on the wall in the lobby. High, wood plank ceilings and exposed brick walls give the building a modern, contemporary look. 

Rob Manske, chair of the physical therapy department, says PT and PA spent many years on the third floor of Ahlberg Hall and bringing them back together under one roof is great for both programs.  

"PTs and PAs always work together for continuity of care to our patients," he says. "The addition of the WATC programs further enhances our student's experiences working with other areas of health care."

In the new building Wichita State and WATC students will learn and work together in a collaborative, dynamic environment. The large space and proximity to downtown Wichita offers students advanced training opportunities that are community service-oriented.

Sandra Bibb, dean of the College of Health Professions (CHP), says integrating the programs gives students a cutting-edge experience and opens more doors for their education and future careers.

“Bringing together our PA and PT graduate programs in one location and adding the synergy and presence of WATC faculty, staff and students is truly exciting,” she says. “It really expands the borders of the CHP community.”

Bibb says interprofessional training has become increasingly important in the health care industry and the new partnership provides access to the latest technology and many opportunities for collaboration. She says CHP’s continued commitment to interprofessional education reinforces their leadership in health care education, while setting graduates up for success in the workplace.

“These are very exciting times for WSU and WATC,” she says. “We are grateful for the opportunities provided by this amazing new building in the heart of Old Town.”

Take a virtual 3D tour of the new building, courtesy of Key Construction.