The purpose of this study is to develop the first domestic professional hospice educational program. We investigated the present condition of Korean hospice education and analyzed the prerequisite need for a dedicated hospice course in the professional education process. Research was conducted between June and November 1996 for nursing professors teaching at each nursing education institute to find out how much hospice is being discussed and by whom, in which course it is being discussed, and also to find out the contents that needed to be included in the professional education process. From a total of 49 colleges(29 three year colleges, 20 four year colleges) out of 99, 162 nursing professors replied, the collection rate was 49.5%. The conclusions are as follows ; 1. The present condition of the hospice nursing education. 1) Whether hospice is included in the education program. circled1 89.65% of 3 year colleges and 90% of 4 year colleges included hospice education in their education program. circled2 In graduate studies three schools included hospice in their program and three schools expressed their plans to include hospice education 2) Hospice related education were commonly discussed in adult nursing(26.3%), fundamental nursing(22.8%), and psychiatric nursing(20.2%). In 3 year colleges its commonly discussed in the first and second year and in 4 year colleges it is taught in the second and third year. 3) Hospice related theory/practical education hours were averages of 6.5/7.0 hrs in 3 year colleges and 14.2/11.3 hrs in 4 year colleges. 4) The majority of professors in charge of hospice education were in the following order adult nursing, psychiatric nursing, and fundamental nursing. 5) The courses that are thought to be adequate to manage hospice related education were adult nursing(29.3%), community health nursing(21.7%) and the desired method of education was the method currently being used (36.5%). 2. The demand for hospice nursing education. 1) Over 70% demanded professional hospice education program, the highest demand was for the value and meaning of life followed by the role and qualification of the hospice team and the mental maintenance of a dying patient. 25 categories showed over 90% demand. 2) The highest demand was for the value and meaning of life (98.2%) and the lowest demand were for danjeon breathing(71.0%)and acupuncture(71.0%). 3) Other contents that need to be discussed in the professional hospice education program were hospice nursing, the attitude and reaction of death, bereavement care, and the prospects of hospice.