These general guidelines for establishing a practical nursing education program define the roles and responsibilities of the administrative and instructional personnel, State Board of Vocational Education, Tennessee Board of Nursing, local advisory committee, and cooperative hospital. The philosophy, definition, objectives, and rationale for a practical nursing course are presented as well as a history of such programs in Tennessee. Student application procedures and forms are included along with records required by the State. In describing the course, information is provided about scheduling, suggested curricula, equipment and materials needed, teaching aids, lesson plans, and methods of teaching. Additional guidelines refer to counseling, psychiatric affiliation, utilization of research teaching material, and graduation exercises. Approximately one-half of the guide (139 pages) consists of course outlines, each containing time length, teaching methods, bibliography, and instructional units further detailed as content to be taught, resource materials, and management procedures. (NJ)