Mica Rutschke, DHA, OTR, FACHDM

OTD Doctoral Capstone Coordinator

Dr. Mica Rutschke is the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator for the University of Incarnate Word Occupational Therapy program.  In May 2003, Dr. Rustchke graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She then went on to earn her Doctorate of Health Administration degree at A.T. Still University in May 2021.  Dr. Rutschke’s dissertation explored leadership competencies and mentoring needs of physical and occupational therapy leaders in the United States.  Research from her dissertation was accepted for publication by the Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU.  The article was published April 14, 2023. 

Throughout the majority of her career, Dr. Rutschke provided leadership and treatment to patients in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy departments.  Dr. Rutschke has overseen the operations of over 20 outpatient therapy clinics in South Carolina and Tennessee.  She has also provided data analytics and strategic planning for a senior living company serving clients throughout the United States.  Dr. Rutschke was the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and instructor at A.T. Still University where she taught Practice Management in Occupational Therapy course, was a lab instructor for Modalities, and provided guest lectures for various courses.  Dr. Rutschke has a passion for occupational therapy and is excited to be a part of the University of Incarnate Word.