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Designated Institutes for Practice

Designated Institute for Practice

 

Established by Semmelweis University’s András Pető Faculty, the “Designated Institute for Practice” initiative and title serve a profound strategic and professional purpose. This framework is designed to formally recognize and certify international partners that successfully maintain the rigorous theoretical and practical training standards set by the Hungarian mother institution within their respective countries. By benchmarking these institutions against educational and professional standards of Semmelweis University, the initiative ensures that the core values and professional excellence of conductive education are preserved across borders.

Moving forward, these certified organizations will play a pivotal role in the faculty’s international ecosystem. They will serve as official professional hubs, providing high-quality practical training and fieldwork opportunities for students of the András Pető Faculty. This hands-on exposure allows students to gain invaluable intercultural experience while working in diverse clinical and educational environments, ultimately enriching their professional development.

In the longer term, the initiative is intended to create the foundations for transnational higher education collaborations. Designated Institutes for Practice may evolve into regional centers capable of supporting accredited educational programs delivered in cooperation with Semmelweis University. Through these strategic alliances, Semmelweis University aims to establish localized, accredited training centers that can graduate certified professionals globally. By fostering this international network, the initiative ensures that the legacy, innovation, and unparalleled excellence of conductive education continue to adapt, thrive, and transform lives on a global scale.

Eligibility and Requirements

Human Resources:

  • Employ at least 2 conductors holding a BA degree in Conductive Pedagogy awarded by Semmelweis University or its predecessor institution, and minimum 3 years of professional experience.
  • Designated mentor for students on traineeships.
  • Responsible for communicating and cooperating with the András Pető Faculty.
  • Shall be able to coordinate the student’s task in accordance with the requirements of the András Pető Faculty.
  • Shall participate in a 30-hour hybrid training at the APF before the start of the internship project.
  • Shall participate in a 15-hour training at the APF in every two years.

Institutional Requirments:

  • Registered organization, with a legally regulated status.
  • Pedagogical rehabilitation in groups is a baseline.
  • Group programmes shall be led by a qualified conductor.
  • Groups shall normally consist of at least four participants.
  • The rehabilitation is dominantly based on the principles of conductive pedagogy.
  • The programme shall include structured task series, activities of daily living (ADL), and opportunities for the functional application of acquired skills.
  • Programme duration may vary according to the needs of the client group.
  • Institutions that regularly request a professional audit from the faculty are given preference.

Scope of People served

  • Children, adolescent and adults eligible for Conductive Pedagogy.
  • Individuals with motor disorders or other functional impairments resulting predominantly from damage to or dysfunction of the central nervous system.
  • Individuals whose eligibility for conductive education is supported by an appropriate medical diagnosis and professional assessment.

Equipment:

  • Instruments of conductive pedagogy: Pető-designed furniture
  • Special tools: ring, stick, suction bar, two-handled cup, adapted cutlery.
  • Age-appropriate developmental toys and equipment.
  • Aids available and funded by the local health care system.
  • A safe, accessible, and well-maintained environment that supports the delivery of conductive education programmes.

Documentation:

  • The institution shall maintain written informed consent and all required medical and data protection documentation.
  • Maintain comprehensive records of each client’s medical history, developmental history, and relevant assessments.
  • Develop and regularly review an individualized conductive education programme for each client, including short- and long-term goals, planned activities, and daily and weekly schedules;
  • Document the client’s progress and regularly evaluate outcomes to support ongoing programme planning;
  • Submit short weekly reports on each student’s internship to the András Pető Faculty.

Principles of Conductice Pedagogy is present in the development:

  • Specially designed, integrated educational process.
  • Intentional, goal-directed motivation that actively encourages participation, sustained engagement, and the development of independence through continuous, individualized feedback and evaluation
  • Individualized educational planning based on each participant’s abilities, needs, and developmental goals, embedded within a structured conductive programme and group setting;
  • Active participation through learning by doing, problem-solving, exploration, and meaningful experience;
  • A holistic approach that supports the development of motor, cognitive, communication, social, emotional, and self-care skills as interconnected components of learning;
  • The use of the conductive group as the primary organizational framework, fostering cooperation, peer learning, and social participation;
  • The consistent application of rhythmic intention as a pedagogical tool to facilitate movement, learning, and task performance.

How to Apply:

Becoming an official member of our international network involves a transparent, quality-assured application procedure:

  1. Official Request Letter: Send a signed and stamped official request letter via e-mail to petointernational@semmelweis.hu, describing your institution’s eligibility and motivation.

  2. Questionnaire: In response, you will receive a short form/questionnaire to fill out with your institution’s specific details.

  3. Online Consultation: An online meeting will be arranged with the colleagues of the András Pető Faculty. It provides guidance on the application process, required documentation, timelines, and contractual frameworks, while also offering an opportunity to discuss the applicant institution’s professional profile, practice placements, and the audit process. This meeting serves to clarify expectations, address specific questions, and explore how the partnership can best support high-quality student placements and long-term collaboration.

  4. Official Audit: The applicant must order an official audit visit. A senior conductor from the faculty will personally visit your facility to audit the requirements and, if necessary, assist in fulfilling any missing criteria. (The cost of the supervision is €1,600 + travel, accommodation, and food expenses).

  5. Mentor Training Course: To ensure high-quality student mentorship, at least two of your local conductors must participate in a 30-hour professional training course. This hybrid program (consisting of 2.5 days online and 2.5 days in Budapest) equips your staff with the exact knowledge needed to support future student internships.

  6. Granting of the Title: Upon successful completion, the organization officially receives the title: “András Pető Faculty’s Designated Institute for International Practice” for a duration of 2 years.

Maintenance & Renewal: To maintain the network status, the title must be renewed by ordering a audit visit in every 2 years. Additionally, partner institutions must order a professional course for their local staff at least once every 3 years to ensure continuous professional alignment.