A 4-year project was conducted at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing to identify occupational health nursing content essential in baccalaureate education for professional nursing. In the process of determining content, a review of relevant literature was made, and a theoretical framework was developed which consisted of an integration of Leavell and Clark's levels of prevention approach to health care, and Maslow's hierarchy of needs personality theory. This theoretical combination resulted in 25 categories, each labeled with a level of prevention and basic human need. Within each category, competencies needed by a nurse in occupational health care were identified, and corresponding academic content was identified and delineated into educational levels (baccalaureate, graduate, and inservice). The theoretical framework was then utilized to assess the content of one baccalaureate nursing program. Data were collected by observing classes over a 3-year period, and a content analysis was conducted. Findings revealed that the theoretical framework provides a method for structuring the curriculum desired and that the methodology can be applied to all aspects of the nursing curriculum. In addition to content analysis, items for an achievement test were developed and a standardization process was started. (SB)