HORTICULTURAL THERAPY INSTITUTE

Linking people and plants

Why a certificate?

The Horticultural Therapy Institute recognizes that certificates are increasingly used by employers and clients as validation of special skills and knowledge. Earning a certificate demonstrates both initiative and willingness to make the time commitment necessary for both professional and career development. Certificates offer the possibility to study a concentrated area such as horticultural therapy without the expense or time commitment of obtaining an entire degree. If you are ready to advance your career or become an expert in this emerging field, the HT certificate program can open the door for you to pursue your goals.

How does the Horticultural Therapy Institute's certificate program work?

The certificate program consists of five courses, each in a four-day intensive format and offered about once a semester. The four days of in-person learning are supplemented with out of class assignments and projects students complete at a distance. We at the Institute believe in the value of face-to-face interaction in this high-touch profession. While in class students work on group projects and problem solving, discussion of the heart of the human/nature connection as well as engage in networking with other students.

The first step is for students to enroll in Introduction to Horticultural Therapy. This class is a prerequisite for the other four classes in the certificate program. Because each of the courses builds upon experiences and information from preceding ones, the ideal approach is to enroll in them sequentially. The latter two have additional prerequisites for enrollment. We do work with students individually if it is necessary to take a course out of sequence. Payment for each class is due by the registration deadline.

The American Horticultural Therapy Association accredits the HT certificate. Each course is also approved for academic credit and continuing education units from Colorado State University. Academic credit is currently $144 for two semester credits and CEU's are $50 for 3.2 units (payable to CSU). These optional credits are discussed in class and payment made at that time.

For more information about the certificate program contact the HT Institute at
303-388-0500 or info@htinsitute.org.

HTI program objectives

The certificate program gives students the skills necessary to establish, manage and work in viable, effective HT programs.Through a curriculum based on recognized competencies, students experience practical problem-solving, as well as discussion of the “heart” of the human/nature connection. Students with diverse life experiences contribute to a rich forum of ideas throughout the courses and serve as a network of resources to enhance budding HT programs. The certificate programs offers:

• Five courses designed to train professionals in the core knowledge of HT.
• Classroom experiences combined with assignments and projects accomplished at a distance.
• Classes and distance assignments that are practical, useful, real-world experiences — enabling students to gain proficiency and confidence to practice HT in their own communities.
• High-quality educational opportunities with faculty members who are experienced and enthusiastic practitioners and educators.
• Points towards Professional Registration from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (an AHTA accredited HT certificate for 1.5 points).
• Optional Academic Credit and Continuing Education Units (CEU's) from Colorado State University