The discipline of emergency management has undergone a profound transformation over the last century, evolving from ad hoc, largely reactionary responses to disasters into a field striving for professionalization characterized by formalized education, ethical frameworks, global standards, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This paper critically examines the origins and evolution of professionalization in emergency management, with particular attention to the development of standards and codes of ethics, the application of organizational leadership and governance frameworks, persistent barriers to professionalization, and the pivotal role of higher education in shaping the field. The analysis extends to discuss emerging directions, prospects for global harmonization, and ongoing research gaps. Utilizing a post-doctoral level of synthesis, the report draws on a comprehensive range of scholarly sources and policy documents to elucidate how the professionalization agenda is being advanced and where major challenges and opportunities for scholarly inquiry remain.