Under the Idaho state system for curriculum development in vocational education, Technical Committees made up solely of industry personnel are responsible for drawing up task lists for each program. Based on a task list specific to the field, this curriculum guide provides the competencies needed by nursing assistants enrolled in postsecondary, short-term vocational education and high school programs. The suggested total completion time for classroom and laboratory work is 60 hours; the amount of clinical time required has been set at 40 hours. Introductory materials include goals of the program, information on competency-based education, and a detailed list of program standards. The curriculum is divided into 10 units. Each unit has the following parts: terminal performance and enabling objectives, suggested completion time, suggested teacher and learner activities, list of general references, and evaluation criteria. Unit topics are as follows: (1) role and responsibilities of the nursing assistant; (2) communication and interpersonal relationships; (3) safety, universal precautions, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; (4) admission, transfer, and discharge procedures; (5) personal procedures; (6) exercise and activity; (7) elimination procedures; (8) collection of specimens; (9) procedures for unsterile warm and cold applications; and (10) variations in nursing care--special nursing responses. Other contents include a list of recommended textbooks and addresses and telephone numbers of 66 sources of media, print materials, and special books/pamphlets. Appendixes, amounting to over one-half of the guide, include checklists for demonstrations and teaching tools. An optional advanced teaching module on the nursing assistant as home health aide is attached. Objectives and suggested textbook are provided. (YLB)