This paper examines common concerns and practices among professional schools and identifies contemporary trends and future directions for professional education. A review of similar studies is undertaken and a summary of the varieties of definitions of "profession" is given. Among the topics considered are professional goals and objectives; the process of recruitment, curricular change, and continuing education; and the relationships of professional schools to their respective universities, practicing professionals, and society as a whole. The author believes the number of professionals in the work force will continue to grow and the professional work force will undergo significant changes in composition as new professions and paraprofessions emerge. He foresees new professional schools being built that will require new faculties and predicts that new professional service modes and delivery systems will emerge to modify the characteristics of professional education. An extensive bibliography is included. (Author/PG)