This how-to-do-it handbook is designed to help the potential rural clinical option (RCO) coordinator develop a program in which nursing students can have an in-depth clinical experience in a rural health facility. Separate sections detail how to: (1) determine the amount of release time and financial resources available to run the program; (2) determine the number of participants; (3) determine the service area throughout which participants may be placed; (4) identify the health-care facilities in which participants may be placed and the kind of nursing experiences available at these facilities; (5) identify preceptors who will supervise participants; (6) screen and place participants in the facility that will best meet their academic objectives; (7) locate housing for program participants; (8) maintain communication with participants, preceptors, members of the community, placement facility administrators, and nursing school administrators; (9) administer the program; (10) evaluate each participant; (11) evaluate each preceptor; (12) evaluate the program; and (13) be evaluated by nursing department and university administrators. Twenty-four sample letters, forms, and questionnaires related to these tasks are included as appendices. (NEC)