This program guide identifies primary considerations in the organization, operation, and evaluation of a patient care assistant program. An occupational description and program content are presented. A curriculum framework specifies the exact course title, course number, levels of instruction, major course content, laboratory activities, special notes, major course concepts, and intended outcomes. Student performance standards are a resource list of job-specific competencies. The next section includes facility design criteria, information on safety, and suggested equipment and supplies. The section on implementation considers student learning guides, student organization participation, and a sample student code of ethics statement. A section on professional considerations lists certification coverage for patient care assistant and professional organizations and support services. The final section lists the following instructional resources: information on a test item bank, sources of print and audiovisual materials and software, instructor-recommended materials, and Florida Educational Information Service services. A sample student learning guide is appended. A Career Merit Achievement Plan (Career MAP) displays the student performance standards required by the local education agency and documents students' level of achievement. (YLB)