The NC StateExtension Gardener Program is partnered with the North Carolina Botanical Garden at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for a fully online, self-paced learning program teaching the history, science, practice, and profession of Therapeutic Horticulture.
The courses are structured to support vibrant engagement via discussion threads and instructor assignment feedback. They provide an exciting opportunity to research, discuss, and reflect on people/plant relationships, and are suitable for anyone interested in learning more about this effective therapeutic method, including allied health professionals and other practitioners, volunteers, and students.
In Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture, students explore how Therapeutic Horticulture supports human health & wellness, including physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs.
The second course, Program Development, equips students with the ability to design therapeutic horticulture treatment interventions for a wide variety of sites and participant populations.
The third course, Accommodating Diverse Populations, takes a deep dive on how to utilize your therapeutic horticulture skills in working with different populations of participants.
The fourth course, Program Management, equips students with details on how to initiate and manage a therapeutic horticulture program.
Students who complete all of the courses at the Mastery level will earn a Certificate in Therapeutic Horticulture.
It is important to note that the Certificate in Therapeutic Horticulture that is awarded upon successful completion of all four courses in this online series is not the same as a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy. Only those who have received a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy from a program that has been accredited by the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) are eligible to apply for registration as a Horticultural Therapist. This freestanding certificate program is not accredited by AHTA and as a result, graduates of the program are eligible to be called “Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioners” or “Therapeutic Horticulturists” rather than “Horticultural Therapists.” More discussion on this distinction is provided in Module 5 of the introductory course in this series. This table summarizes the main differences between these two very closely aligned fields.
- Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture
- Therapeutic Horticulture Program Development (course 1 is a prerequisite)
- Accommodating Diverse Populations (Course 1 is a prerequisite)
- Program Management (Courses 1-3 are prerequisites)
