Information on Indiana University's course in patient education is presented, along with sources of additional information on patient education and a summary of a national survey on professional preparation in patient education. An outline of the following course topics is presented: past and current developments, health care delivery, patient educator roles, program planning and development, and program evaluation. Outlines are also included on general student evaluation methods, teacher-directed instructional strategies, and course objectives. Textbooks and related publications and sources of resource materials are listed, along with examples of student projects and activities. In addition, findings of a 1980-1981 academic year survey of 228 institutions are provided. It is noted that of these institutions 82.9 percent had no patient education offerings, but 17.1 percent had various degrees of involvement in patient education. Survey results are also presented concerning the following: specific degree and course offerings in patient education; the philosophy and primary emphasis of patient education degree programs and courses; and the number, professional preparation, and clinical experience of faculty teaching in patient education degree programs and courses. A survey questionnaire is appended. (SW)