This guide is intended for use in teaching a secondary-level orientation course in health occupations that is designed to prepare students for employment in all types of health care facilities and for entry into postsecondary programs. The guide is divided into two parts. The first part consists of a teacher's guide and 11 instructional units dealing with life skills. The teacher's guide discusses the objectives and content of orientation-level health occupations instruction, Health Occupations Students of America, special needs students, general guidelines for implementing the curriculum, the structure and implementation of the orientation units, and useful references for teachers. Topics covered in the life skills units include study skills, self-understanding and self-esteem, personal appearance and behavior, communication, interpersonal relationships, problem solving and decision making, career planning, leadership, applied math, and computer literacy. Part 2 consists of instructional units on the following topics: historical health and medical events, medical terminology, microorganisms, body systems, common diseases, nutrition, wellness, safety, life stages, and the psychology of illness. (MN)