Major historical and recent developmental stages of professional education are reviewed and the outlook for the 1980's is discussed. Topics include: the admissions outlook and the professional school experience; curricular development; faculty training, evaluation, and rewards; labor market prospects after professional school; continuing education and licensure; and quality assessment in terms of accreditation and ratings. Each discussion supports the theory that dramatic change and experimentation will not be part of professional education in the next decade, but that change and renewal based on already existing practices will be the standard. Two distinctive elements of professional education, which emerged during the 1970's and will guide further development in the 1980's are: (1) the integration of theory and practice, and (2) a growing trend toward integration, cooperation, and collaboration between and among professions, professional schools, and private and government agencies. The latter is highlighted as the most important guiding influence in the next decade. Within that frame of reference, six recommendations--including refining admissions criteria to incorporate measures of personal development and interpersonal skills--are offered. A bibliography is included. (SW)