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See Available Horticultural Therapist Schools
People have long believed in the healing and therapeutic powers of gardening. Thus horticultural therapy was born. Horticultural therapists, like art or music therapists, use plants and gardening activities in order to improve the body, mind, and spirit of each of their clients. Called a “cognitive therapy”, horticultural therapy teaches people new skills and also helps them regain those that may have been lost.
Some benefits of horticultural therapy are an improved memory, social growth, and physical rehabilitation. In places where horticultural therapy is used in a vocational setting, the clients learn to work independently, follow directions, and solve problems on their own, preparing them for future jobs and also helping with life skills. Horticultural therapy benefits everyone, but enjoys success with adults and children who have physical, psychological, or developmental disabilities, people recovering from illness or injury, victims of abuse, public offenders, recovering addicts, and people in nursing homes or hospice centers.
Horticultural therapists are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation and vocational centers, nursing homes and senior centers, community and botanic gardens, schools, farms, horticulture businesses, and prisons. Their income varies due to the capacity in which they are employed as well as their education and experience.
Horticultural therapists have many degree options open to them.
They can pursue a bachelor’s or associate’s
degree in horticultural therapy, a Certificate in Horticultural
Therapy, or individual coursework. Of course, the more
education and experience one has will lead to better
employment and greater income. As more people become
aware of the benefits of horticultural therapy, this
profession and those places where it is offered as a
degree program will increase greatly.
California Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers* (Boise, San Diego) - Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Holistic Health Practitioner,
Massage Therapy, Optical Technician, Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant
Golden
State College - (Bakersfield)* - Holistic Health Practitioner
Maric
College (Vista)*
- Holistic Health Practitioner
National
Holistic Institute (SF
Bay Area) - Massage Therapist and Health Educator
Silicon
Valley College* (Emeryville, Fremont, San
Jose , Walnut
Creek ) - Holistic Health Practitioner, Massage Therapy
Idaho Schools
Academy
of Professional Careers (Boise)
- Administrative Medical/Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting, Holistic Health
Practitioner, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician
Oregon Schools
Ashmead
College (Tigard)
- Massage Therapy, Spa & Aromatherapy
Washington Schools
Ashmead
College* (Seattle, Fife, Vancouver , Everett)
- Fitness Trainer, Massage Therapy, Spa and Aromatherapy
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