Careers in Horticultural Therapy

The Career You Always Dreamed of Exists

Horticultural Therapy allows you to combine your passions for people and plants.

Horticultural therapists require extensive training in applying horticultural-related activities as therapeutic interventions to support and enhance physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being across diverse client populations.

What Horticultural Therapists Do

Horticultural therapists combine clinical skill with horticultural knowledge.

They are trained to:

• Assess client needs and therapeutic goals
• Understand diagnoses and how impairments affect quality of life
• Design and lead meaningful plant-based activities as interventions
• Apply plant science and horticultural techniques in therapeutic settings

Skills & Qualities of Horticultural Therapists

These are skills that students learn in AHTA Accredited Certificate Programs. University classes in horticultural therapy prepare you to begin your career.

Horticultural therapists are:

• Analytical and resourceful
• Empathetic, patient, and confident
• Flexible and creative problem-solvers
• Collaborative team members and strong leaders
• Often innovative and entrepreneurial in building programs and services

Where Horticultural Therapist Work

Horticultural therapists may work as part of clinical or rehabilitation teams, as educators, community providers, or independent consultants.

You can find them in:

• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Schools and vocational programs
• Mental health clinics
• Community programs and other health-related settings
• Private practice and contracting

Learn more about the various AHTA credentials and the requirements for obtaining them, visit our credentials page.