To provide data for the construction of an 11th or 12th grade health occupations course in a rural high school, an extensive study was made of health needs and health occupation opportunities in the Rocky Mountain region and also of the official state plans for health facilities. From this analysis, the 10 entry-level occupations of ambulance attendant, dental assistant, dietary aide, medical assistant, medical laboratory assistant, medical record clerk, nurse aide, surgical technician, visiting home health aide, and ward clerk were selected for curriculum development. Core performance elements as well as performance elements unique to each occupation were identified, and an 8-unit Health Development Career course was built upon the core performance elements. In lieu of a live situation, the model was field tested in a hypothetical situation in which the health facilities and typical experiences were identified. To assist in planning the course, guidelines for development and implementation as well as activities and instructional aids for each unit are included. Appended are an activity flow chart, research strategies, scheme for categorizing skills and elements, and example of contributions from other sources. (SB)