Setting standards for future growth
The American Horticultural Therapy Association is the only organization that recognizes and registers horticultural therapists through a voluntary professional registration program. The designation Horticultural Therapist-Registered (HTR) signifies that professional competencies have been achieved based on standardized academic requirements and professional training.
To qualify for professional registration, an individual must demonstrate completion of:
- A baccalaureate degree with a concentration in horticultural therapy or a baccalaureate degree with the additional required courses to meet the academic requirements as noted on the application.
- A supervised internship of no less than 480 hours.
Detailed information on the requirements for professional registration can be found in the AHTA Professional Registration Handbook. Be aware that new HTR education requirements will go into effect in October 2013. To learn about these new requirements, please click here.
Application Process
Applications are evaluated by the AHTA Professional Registration Review Board. To apply, an individual must be a current member of the AHTA at the Associate level. Once an applicant has been approved for professional registration status, AHTA membership must be renewed annually at the Professional level to maintain HTR status.
Click here for instructions on how to fill out the Application for Professional Registration.
Click here for the Application for Professional Registration.
Professional Registration Resources
For a list of programs that offer academic coursework in horticultural therapy, please refer to the HT Education page.
Download the 2012 AHTA Internship Toolkit
- Internship Guidelines
- AHTA Intern Evaluation Form
- AHTA Horticultural Therapy Internship Handbook
- Code of Ethics
- List of current facilities offering internships
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Revised internship requirements will go into effect on June 1, 2013. If you are pursuing professional registration and plan to begin an internship on June 1, 2013 or later, be sure to review the AHTA Internship Handbook. The Handbook provides a full explanation of the revisions. Registration applicants who complete an internship prior to June 1, 2013, will be evaluated under current AHTA Internship Guidelines. Please contact the AHTA with any questions: martha@ahta.org or call 610-992-0002.
New core curriculum requirements for professional registration go into effect on October 1, 2013. Be sure to review the new requirements if you plan to apply for professional registration after October 1, 2013.
