AHTA Accredited Certificate Programs
Understanding AHTA Accredited Programs
What is an AHTA Accredited Certificate Program?
An AHTA Accredited Certificate Program is a college-level educational program that offers the equivalent of nine (9) semester credits in horticultural therapy coursework. The AHTA accredited certificate programs provide a foundation in the theory and application of horticultural therapy for diverse populations.
An AHTA Accredited Certificate Program is one that has applied for and received accreditation status by AHTA. The AHTA Certificate Program must maintain accreditation based on the standards set by the Association.
Accreditation ensures that horticultural therapy certificate programs meet nationally endorsed standards in the profession.
Certificate programs accredited by AHTA offer all nine (9) semester credit hours within their educational program.
Coursework & Educational Requirements
An AHTA Accredited Certificate Program provides course content that fulfills the requirements for professional registration with AHTA. An AHTA Accredited Certificate Program may be offered as a component of an academic degree program to fulfill the requirements of a degree in horticulture with a concentration in horticultural therapy.
To meet the requirements for professional registration with AHTA, horticultural therapy coursework completed as part of the certificate program, independent of bachelor’s/master’s degree, must be from an AHTA Accredited Certificate Program.
Note: Graduates of certificate programs are not ‘certified’ horticultural therapists. They receive a certificate of completion of horticultural therapy coursework which, if accompanied by the affiliated college or university transcript, will be required should they pursue professional registration with AHTA.
Find a Program: Accredited Institutions
The following certificate programs have been accredited by AHTA. For current certificate program schedules, visit the program websites provided below.
Delaware Valley University
- Contact: Joan Stelmach, HTR
- Email: cps@delval.edu
- Phone: (215) 489-4848
Horticultural Therapy Institute (HTI)
- Contact: Christine Capra
- Email: ccapra@htinstitute.org
- Phone: (303) 388-0500
Oregon State University
- Contacts: Melissa Bierman, MS, MHT, HTR & Anne Gearhart
- Emails: melissa.bierman@oregonstate.edu & anne.gearhart@oregonstate.edu
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Contact: Gary Altman MS, CRC, HTR
- Email: gla32@sebs.rutgers.edu
- Phone: (848) 932-6321
Temple University
- Contact: Peg Schofield, MA, HTR
- Email: tyler@temple.edu
- Phone: (215) 777-9090
University of Florida
- Contact: Elizabeth (Leah) Diehl, RLA, HTM
- Email: CHTinfo@ifas.ufl.edu
- Phone: (352) 294-5003
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Contact: Derrick Stowell, Ph.D., CTRS, HTR
- Email: dstowell@tennessee.edu
- Phone: (865) 974-7151
UCLA Extension
- Contact: Melissa McDonald, Program Manager
- Email: mmcdonald@unex.ucla.edu
- Phone: (310) 825-9586
National Pingtung University of Science and Technology
- Contact: Man-Li Liao, PhD, HTR
- Email: npusttaiwan@gmail.com
Beyond the Classroom: Internships & Registration
A 480-hour horticultural therapy internship is a required component for AHTA Professional Registration. These internships provide essential hands-on experience, allowing students to apply theory and practice as clinicians, educators, and technicians in a variety of settings. All interns are supervised by a registered horticultural therapist (HTR or HTM) to ensure the development of professional competency.
Institutional Portal: Program Accreditation & Renewals
Become an Accredited Certificate Program with AHTA
Horticultural therapy certificate programs are college-credit instructional programs designed to provide a foundation in the theory and application of horticultural therapy for diverse populations. In accrediting these programs, the AHTA:
Assures that the program meets nationally-endorsed standards in the profession.
Meets the horticultural therapy requirements for the AHTA’s voluntary professional registration program.
Ensures programs meet specific criteria as defined by AHTA in these policies and procedures.
Confirms the program achieves designated outcomes for the institutions as well as AHTA’s educational requirements.
Recognizes horticultural therapy coursework taught by a registered horticultural therapist (HTR).
Application & Renewal Resources:
Learn everything you need to know to become an accredited program or renew your status by downloading the policies and procedures.
- Before applying to have a program accredited by AHTA as an Accredited Certificate Program, it is essential to review these standards to ensure your curriculum meets all requirements.
Whether you are submitting an Application for a New Program or completing the online Renewal Form to notify AHTA of program updates, these guidelines serve as your primary roadmap for the accreditation process.