The manual provides guidelines for the development and implementation of programs for medical office assistants. A procedural outline for the development of two curricula have been included: one for a one-year (four quarters) program offering a diploma in medical assisting; and the other for a two-year (six quarters) program leading to an associate degree in Medical Assisting. The publication is designed to serve as a comprehensive guide, a reference source, and a framework around which the teacher may develop the content for each course of study as the specific teaching plans for the program are developed. A 250-page section offers suggested course outlines including behavioral objectives, outline of instruction, and suggested texts and references. Course outlines are included for the following subjects: orientation to medical assisting; medical terminology; typing; communication skills; basic health science; accounting; report writing; human relations; medical law, economics, and ethics; administrative procedures; examination room procedures; laboratory procedures; medical office practicum; data processing systems, grammar; human anatomy and physiology; composition; principles of sociology; and general psychology. Appended are an equipment list, program purposes, accreditation--approval process, and sample forms. (Author/MW)