This guide is intended to familiarize secondary students with the variety of occupational opportunities in the health field. It may be used in one of three ways--as a health career reference for guidance counselors, career counselors, teachers, and students; as a guide to introduce students to the health field; or as a text for career education. The guide is organized into five parts. The introductory part covers thinking about a career and establishing career goals, career opportunities and the question of training, and steps in using the handbook. Seven different health care settings are described in section 2. The third section describes several occupations in each of the following clusters: clinical laboratory, dental, dietetic and nutritional, eye care, health administration, clerical and support, health education and community, information and communication, medical instrumentation and machine operation, medical, nursing and physician extender, pharmaceutical, and rehabilitation services. The fourth part, which deals with planning a career, covers discovering personal attributes and goals, decision making, employment opportunities, educational requirements, and flexibility in planning. Section 5 provides a 12-page list of printed and audiovisual resources. Appendixes include a list of professional organizations and definitions of various worker and people functions and operations involved in the health occupations described. (MN)