What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Horticultural therapy combines gardening with therapy to support physical and mental rehabilitation. Horticultural therapists work with various populations, tailoring programs to address physical, emotional, and mental disabilities. They collaborate with medical professionals to design individualized care plans that improve skills such as memory, cognition, language, and socialization. Horticultural therapists also aid in physical rehabilitation by enhancing muscle strength, coordination, and endurance, while in vocational settings, they promote independence, problem solving, and task management.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Horticultural therapists work in gardens, rehabilitation programs, hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, hospice care, correctional facilities, schools, and senior centers.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Median annual salary: $78,229
Entry-level annual salary: $62,347
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors, including horticultural therapists, are expected to grow statewide by 25% between 2022 and 2032, with 3,121 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Horticultural therapists typically need a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field, with many programs offering certificates. Their curriculum includes courses in health, abnormal psychology, plant pathology, crop management, and social and behavioral sciences.
For More Information:
American Horticultural Therapy Association: https://www.ahta.org/accredited-certificate-programs
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
New York does not require licensing or certification for horticultural therapists. However, the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) offers voluntary registration. To qualify, individuals must have a degree in horticultural therapy or a related field with required coursework and complete 480 hours of supervised internship.
For More Information:
American Horticultural Therapy Association: https://www.ahta.org/horticultural-therapist-registered
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
American Horticultural Therapy Association: https://www.ahta.org/annual-awards
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New York Botanical Garden | Certificate | Bronx | New York City | Visit |