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Horticultural Therapist |
Career OverviewHorticultural Therapists use plants and gardening activities to help people who are disadvantaged or disabled by ability, circumstance or age, or simply to improve the mind and body. Horticultural therapy is a type of holistic medicine also known as cognitive therapy. It is based on the age-old belief that growing things has healing and therapeutic powers.
Horticultural therapists work with groups and with individuals. Their patients include people with learning disabilities, people suffering from drug or alcohol abuse, and offenders seeking rehabilitation. Sometimes horticultural therapy programs include land and animal husbandry. Among the benefits of horticultural therapy are social growth, improved memory, and physical rehabilitation. Patients learn to follow directions, work independently and stand on their own. This prepares them for future employment and helps them with life skills.
Horticultural therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, vocational schools, community centres and correctional centres. They usually work in cooperation with other health care professionals. They plan each day’s work with clients, setting tasks according to each person’s mental and physical needs and abilities.
Horticultural therapists teach the clients how to sow seeds, set out plants, move compost bags, prepare soil, prune plants, and other horticultural activities. They demonstrate the safe use of tools and equipment. Horticultural therapists help their clients develop confidence and self esteem, and improve their social skills. They encourage their clients to take pleasure from land use. They observe each client to monitor progress, and if necessary will adjust activities to make them more effective.
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Career RequirementsHorticultural therapists must have a strong interest in horticulture. They must be patient, tolerant and understanding. They must have the ability to relate positively and respectfully to all types of people. They must be able to encourage and motivate, and teach various skills. They must be aware of health and safety issues.
High school students interested in becoming horticultural therapists should take college preparatory courses. They will need strong communications skills as well as an understanding of horticulture and botany. An introductory course in psychology is also recommended. Post-secondary institutions offer bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in horticultural therapy and certificates in horticultural therapy. The more education the student receives in this profession, the greater the chances of employment.
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Job OutlookPublic awareness of, and interest in horticultural therapy is growing steadily, especially in the United States. Therefore the job outlook for this profession is very good. Horticultural therapists are finding employment with hospitals, community centres, mental health institutions, schools, botanic gardens, and all the organizations and institutions that recognize the benefits of holistic medicine. With a growing and aging population the need for caring individuals who can work with people in need is going to increase.
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Career TrackHorticultural therapists can work part time or full time. That means an interested person can investigate this profession while working in other areas such as teaching, nursing or social work. This also makes it attractive to students. Horticultural therapists can also branch into other areas of holistic medicine. A horticultural therapist might have part time employment with more than one health care institution, and may also have a private practice.
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CompensationSalaries for horticultural therapists vary according to the therapist’s education and experience, geographic location and employer. Starting salary is about $26,000 a year. This can go up to $40,000.
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