Marsha D Rutland

Dr. Marsha Rutland graduated from University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy (1979), Master of Education degree from Hardin-Simmons in Sports & Recreation management (2002) and her ScD in Physical Therapy with emphasis in Orthopedics from Texas Tech University Health Science Center (2008).  She also earned her certification as an orthopedic manual therapist (COMT) for extremities through IAOM. Dr. Rutland received her APTA Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification (2003-2023). She is a certified Dry Needler (C-DN) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).She has been teaching at HSU for 23 years.

She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA), American Academy of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) and American Association of Anatomists (AAA). Dr. Rutland’s research interests’ center around anatomy, orthopedic assessment and treatment issues. She presents research regularly at AACA, APTA, APTA-CSM, and TPTA annual conferences.

Dr. Rutland has 45 years of experience as a clinical practitioner in a variety of settings, including outpatient neuro-orthopedic rehab, home health, orthopedics, acute rehab and outpatient rehab as well as state school experience. She was a clinical instructor for 20 years prior to full time teaching and was recognized in 2002 by the Texas Consortium for Physical Therapy Clinical Education, Inc. as an outstanding clinical instructor. In 2011, the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) presented her with the William R. Gould Memorial Outstanding Physical Therapy Faculty Member Award. She received the Provost’s Award for Teaching Excellence from Hardin-Simmons University in 2014.

She serves as the newsletter editor for the Midwest District-TPTA. She is actively involved with the HSU PT Ministries local program and taught the Region XIV Coaches Clinic for 20 years. She also teaches anatomy annually with local clinicians, and health care professionals as well as high school students and regularly presents Lunch and Learn presentations at HSU Lunch and Learn series.