Careers in Horticultural Therapy
The Career You Always Dreamed of Exists
Horticultural Therapy allows you to combine your passions for people & 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.
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
What Horticultural Therapists Do
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
These are skills that students learn in AHTA Accredited Certificate Programs. University classes in horticultural therapy prepare you to begin your career.
Skills & Qualities
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.
Where Horticultural Therapist Work
