A study was made of the current and future role of practical nurses and the curricula used to prepare these nurses in the 16 programs in Iowa. A statewide committee of 14 persons involved in hiring, employing, and controlling practical nurse practice was formed. Between Fall 1987 and Spring 1989, the committee gathered and analyzed information and developed a curriculum and other materials that they shared with the groups they represented. These tasks were completed in three face-to-face meetings and monthly group meetings using the state telenetwork system. Some of the group's findings were the following: (1) the health care industry needs practical nurses; (2) practical nursing programs should be no longer than 1 year; (3) articulation between practical nursing and associate degree nursing should continue; (4) increased knowledge of technology will be needed by practical nurses; (5) a growing number of elderly in Iowa will need practical nursing care; (6) many nursing programs are teaching more than students can learn in 1 year; (7) increasing emphasis on graduate and associate nurses has decreased the prestige and training of practical nurses; and (8) admission requirements allow unprepared persons into nursing programs. Recommendations were made for curriculum changes in order to meet the future educational needs of practical nurses. (A curriculum guide, half of the document, lists suggested competencies for practical nurses, and provides objectives coupled with content and suggested teaching methods for a course of practical nursing in a nursing facility. Thirteen references are cited.) (KC)