There are three different ways to become a full member of THA.  They are described as Levels A, B or C and you can choose which level is most relevant to your qualifications and experience.  You are required to supply supporting documents with your application such as copies of your qualifications and provide evidence of your demonstrated hours of therapeutic horticulture practice. 

You can become a full member of THA by providing supporting documents that meet the criteria for one of the examples listed below:

 Level A: Dual Qualifications* held in Horticulture and Allied Health/Social Services (*minimum AQF level 3)

Level B: A Qualification* held in either Horticulture OR Allied Health/Social services PLUS evidence of 120 hours of validated therapeutic horticulture work experience (*minimum AQF level 3)

Level C: Therapeutic Horticulture experience supported by 400 hours of validated evidence

For more information on membership types and pathways to full membership please refer to the Membership tab on the THA website.

There are currently no accredited therapeutic horticulture courses or qualifications in Australia.  With growing awareness, an expanding evidence base and increasing work and employment opportunities in this sector we are confident that education and training options will expand in the future. Further information is available at the Education tab on the THA website.

If you wish to become a full member of THA and have a Qualification (minimum AQF3) held in either Horticulture OR Allied Health/Social services you are required to demonstrate 120 hours of therapeutic horticulture practical experience.

If you have no relevant qualifications you are required to demonstrate 400 hours of therapeutic horticulture practice.

Documented experience may be accrued in a number of ways for example, working or volunteering in a therapeutic garden setting, undertaking training in therapeutic horticulture, attending a Therapeutic Horticulture Australia webinar, workshop or conference.  For further information refer to the Pathways to Full Membership document under the Membership tab on the THA website.

THA is unable to provide specific insurance advice to members.  Most organisations require contractors to hold at least public liability and professional indemnity but it is recommended to contact an insurance broker or find an organisation that provides insurance through the horticulture industry that can assist with cover for the therapeutic horticulture field.