A model program to educate primary care nurse-practitioners for rural areas illustrates successful collaboration between university and rural health settings. Part of the Intercampus Graduate Studies program of the University of California--San Francisco School of Nursing and the University of California--San Diego School of Medicine, the model reflects concern with family health care needs in rural San Diego County. During its first year, Academic Year 85-86, the program established student preceptorships in two rural community health clinics. The university offers didactic content for preparation of the Family Nurse-Practitioner/Nurse-Midwife through its curricular program, selects students for preceptorship placement, provides faculty orientation/development for community/clinical preceptors, provides academic faculty member site visits, and conducts program evaluation. The community health center provides resources/facilities for patient care including preceptor supervision of students and ancillary personnel/supplies and collaborates in program planning/evaluation and preceptor development. The Clinical Preceptor shares patient care sessions with a student, incorporating material specific to rural health. The model demonstrates feasibility of "town/gown" collaboration, promotes job selection based on realities of rural settings, and increases rural community visibility to the university community. Feasibility study results and a map and organization chart of the California Area Health Education Centers systems are included. (LFL)