Yes, for professionals, University is still the gatekeeper. I don’t know, maybe you can take the bar exam with out a degree, but I doubt you could ever be licensed as a doctor without one.
There is also a caveat for personality.
Some people are self starters/motivators, and they can learn better and faster without having to sit in a lecture hall and a lab several times per week.
Other people need the structure.
I’d rather hire the self motivator, personally, but I guess there’s a place for everyone.
One used to be able to read for the bar. and study under a lawyer and in a firm
Same for medicine