RESEARCH

Horticultural Therapy Professionalism and Professional Certification: An Experience from Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s structured certification system, hands-on training, and over 1,000 completed internships have helped develop horticultural therapy into a growing professional field. Research collaborations and international publications have supported its effectiveness, though clearer certification standards and greater public awareness are still needed for full recognition.

Program Types: Vocational

Population Groups: General Population, Industry Professionals

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Greater Job Readiness & Vocational Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Education

Type of Activity: Vocational Skill Development

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Peer-Reviewed Studies

Measurement and Evaluation: Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Paid

Summary

This paper describes how horticultural therapy (HT) has become more professionalized in Hong Kong through structured certification, training, internships, and research. Led by the Hong Kong Association of Therapeutic Horticulture (HKATH), the city has followed the American model while tailoring it to local culture. The certification system includes three levels—facilitator, assistant therapist, and registered therapist—each requiring specific education, training hours, and supervised practice. As of 2021, 115 people had become registered horticultural therapists, many of whom were also professionals in fields like social work or education. Training is offered in partnership with continuing education programs and includes a blend of theory and hands-on learning.

The internship and research components are essential for ensuring quality care and evidence-based practice. Over 1,000 internship programs have been conducted with various populations, including the elderly, youth, and people with disabilities. HKATH has also contributed to international research, with several published studies showing the benefits of HT in different healthcare settings. Despite this progress, challenges remain, such as the need for clearer certification standards and better public understanding of what horticultural therapy truly is. The paper calls for continued promotion, research, and eventual government recognition to support HT as a respected healthcare profession in Hong Kong.

Link

Fung, C.Y.Y. and Siu, N.Y.F. (2021). Horticultural therapy professionalism and professional certification: an experience from Hong Kong. Acta Hortic. 1313, 33-40

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