RESEARCH

Current State of the Horticultural Therapy Profession in the United States

This study interviewed members of the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) to understand the current state of the profession in the United States, revealing concerns about declining membership and differing opinions on professional credentialing.
Program Types: Vocational
Population Groups: Industry Professionals
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Greater Job Readiness & Vocational Skills
Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
Evidence Type: Qualitative Research
Access: Free
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Summary

This study investigated the current state of horticultural therapy (HT) in the United States by interviewing 27 current and former members of the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA). Participants, selected through maximum variation sampling, included HT educators, professional-level members, associate-level members, and former members. The interviews, conducted via Zoom between Nov 2019 and Jan 2020, explored their perspectives on the profession’s challenges and opportunities.

The qualitative analysis of the interviews revealed six key themes: the current state of the profession, AHTA operations/structure, education/credentialing, funding/job opportunities, public awareness/networking, and research. The results highlighted concerns about declining membership, differing opinions on professional credentialing, and the need for greater public awareness and funding to support the growth of HT. The study provides recommendations for the future development of the HT profession, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges and capitalizing on opportunities to enhance its recognition and impact.

Link

Stowell, D.R., Fly, M., Klingeman, W.E. et al. (2021). Current state of horticultural therapy profession in the United States. HortTechnology, 31(4), 330-338.

 

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