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Horticulture at CDU
TAFE

VTP476 Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture

Not available to international students.

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This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

year/s

This program is delivered as a 5-6 day block. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.

Intake

Locations

Casuarina, Remote
Not available to international students.

Course code

VTP476

Overview



Therapeutic Horticulture is an emerging Australian industry utilising plants and gardening activities to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. 

This introductory course will enable you to develop therapeutic horticulture skills, which may be used in varied environments, such as hospitals, prisons, rehabilitation centres, educational facilities, disability services, aged care facilities, commercial spaces, and community and residential gardens.

Career opportunities

Different fields of practices utilise Therapeutic Horticulture as a complimentary therapy to their existing practice. Some of these practices include:

  • Community Services
  • Aged Care
  • Disability
  • Rehabilitation
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Diversional Therapy
  • Recreation Therapy
  • Landscape planning and design
  • Education
  • Public greenspace workers
  • Horticulturists
  • Migrant support workers
  • Correctional services
  • Mental Health
  • Children and childcares services

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Skill recognition

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:

  • Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
  • Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
  • Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).

RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.

Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.

For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.

Credit Transfer

Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.

In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.

Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.

Pathways

VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.

Fees

2024 Fees

  Fee Type  2024 Course Fees
  Fee Free TAFE*  Free
  Full Fee  $1,200.00

*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.

Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.

For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments. 2025 TAFE fees will be published as soon as they become available.

International VET Package

Course information flyer(s)

CDU Aquaculture students

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed. 

  • Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses
CDU Aquaculture students

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed. 

  • Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses

What will I study?

To achieve the vocational training program VTP476 - Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture a total of three (3) units of competency must be completed as listed below. Students will be issued with a Statement of Attainment upon successful completion.

Course structure

To achieve the vocational training program VTP476 - Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture a total of three (3) units of competency must be completed as listed below. 

Students will be issued with a Statement of Attainment upon successful completion.


The total Nominal Hours for this training program is 80. 
 

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
UNITS OF COMPETENCY
AHCNSY205Pot up plants20
AHCNSY206Care for nursery plants30
CHCCOM005Communicate and work in health or community services30
 Total nominal hours for the training program80

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

You are required to wear enclosed shoes during the program. Any further PPE required is provided by the team.

To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.

I learned everything I know about native plants from CDU. Before that, I only knew about European veggie gardens. Now I'm using what I learned at CDU at work.

Chloe

CDU student

Horticulture student Chloe Roch at work in the nursery

CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience

Hema

CDU student

hema giri

I learned everything I know about native plants from CDU. Before that, I only knew about European veggie gardens. Now I'm using what I learned at CDU at work.

Chloe

CDU student

Horticulture student Chloe Roch at work in the nursery

CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience

Hema

CDU student

hema giri

Course details

Accreditation

This is a non-award course and a Statement of Attainment will be issued for nationally recognised units of competency successfully completed.

Location and study mode

Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.



Locations: Casuarina, remote



Study Mode: On campus



Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.

Additional information

Sector
TAFE
Industry groups
PRIMARY INDUSTRY
Occupation types
Garden Labourer
Area of study
Horticulture, Health and Nursing, Health

Contact details

VET Environmental Studies
Location: Casuarina & Alice Springs Campuses
Phone: 08 8946 7513
Email: vet.clm@cdu.edu.au

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

How to apply for domestic students

CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.

 

Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.

 

Admission requirements for domestic students

Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.

 

CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

How to apply for international students

Applications to CDU must be submitted online.

 

The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.

 

Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.

 

There is no application fee when you apply online.

Find a CDU agent partner

Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.

 

To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

 

Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.

We are here to help

Submit an enquiry and our friendly team will be in touch.

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