• 2-Year Diploma Program
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

The Horticultural Therapy Diploma program prepares students for employment as specially educated and trained practitioners of rehabilitative and therapy teams in diverse settings, including hospitals, day clinics, extended care facilities, nursing homes, prisons, residences, rehabilitation centres, schools and a myriad of facility and community settings serving individuals with special needs.

Students will learn a combination of basic theory and skills in horticulture and human services delivery with a specialization in horticultural therapy. Students will participate in labs, work experience and practica where they will integrate and demonstrate knowledge and theory learning in the classroom.

This program offers the first formalized horticultural therapy diploma program in Canada. Graduates will meet the required standard for applying for the Canadian Horticultural Therapy Association (CHTA) professional standard of Horticultural Therapist Technician (HTT).

A free information session is held annually, and prospective students are encouraged to attend. Check with the Advising Centre for more details, 250-740-6410 or visit viu.ca/infosessions. Attendance at an Information Session is highly recommended.

Career Opportunities

Horticultural therapists (HTs) are much in demand at hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, residences, rehabilitation centres, schools, and other facility and community settings that serve the needs of individuals with special needs. Horticultural therapy can be utilized in vocational, therapeutic, social and recreational settings to enhance self-esteem, alleviate depression, improve motor skills, and provide opportunities in problem solving, encourage work adjustment, social interactions and communication, as well as teaching transferable vocational skills.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12, or equivalent.
• English 12 with minimum “C+” grade or equivalent.
• Principles of Math 11 or Applications of Math 11 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent, or successful completion of Math assessment test.
• Fitness required to participate in physical aspects of the program and industry (applicants may be required to provide a letter from a physician attesting to the applicant’s suitability to take the program).
• Two letters of reference with application.
• Letter, at time of application, indicating reasons for applying to the program and outlining any previous horticultural experience, as well as future career goals.
• Resume.

Notes on Admission

• Available and willing to participate in plant roster duty on weekends.
• Previous experience in human services, health or commercial or industrial horticulture is recommended.
• Personal interviews may be required and used in the selection of applicants.
• A criminal record check may be required for some agencies/facilities prior to placement in practicum.

Also, see additional notes on admission for certificate completion for the Horticultural Technician Certificate and the Human Services Certificate.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For further information regarding start dates, program contacts, and scheduled information sessions check the Program Availability List.

Program Outline

The program has multiple modes of delivery, and program completion time is dependent on the entry point of the student. The minimum time for program completion is two years of full-time study.

Below is a recommended schedule that is based on full-time attendance and includes all required courses. Part time options are also available. Not all courses are available in each academic year at each campus.

Note: Human Services courses may not be offered in the same sequence from year to year, please check with the Program chair for current program offerings.

Updated July 23, 2010