Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Veterinary Technology

Apply to Veterinary Technology

To join this program, you must apply for admission. This program is moderately competitive and accepts up to 32 students once a year in the spring for a fall start date. Applicants who are most successful have veterinary experience and a high college GPA. The selection process is based on points – see how to earn points and become a more competitive applicant below.

Questions? Attend an information session or talk with a program advisor.

Or, you may find your answer on our FAQ page!

How to apply

  1. Apply to PCC

    Applying to PCC is free and only takes a few minutes. Complete this step as soon as possible so you can start using PCC resources.
    Apply to PCC angle right

  2. Application timeline
    Term you want to start Apply to Veterinary Technology
    Fall 2024 January – May 1, 2024
    Fall 2025 Spring 2025
    Take prerequisites

    These classes must be completed with a “C” or better by the May 1 deadline. If you’ve taken these at another college, you must contact us to have your transcripts evaluated prior to applying.

    • MTH 95: Intermediate Algebra, or higher
    • WR 121: English Composition, or higher
    • CH 104: Allied Health Chemistry I, or higher
    • BI 112: Cell Biology, or equivalent
    • MP 111: Medical Terminology, or equivalent
  3. Receive rabies vaccination

    Receive your human pre-exposure prophylaxis rabies vaccination prior to the start of Fall term. You will need to provide proof of the completed vaccination series (2 doses) or proof of adequate protection documented by a serologic test.

  4. Complete direct observation

    All applicants must spend at least 40 hours in a veterinary clinical setting and submit the direct observation form with the application.

  5. Letter of recommendation

    This letter should be from a practicing Veterinarian or Certified, Licensed, or Registered Veterinary Technician. The letter must be emailed to vtapply@pcc.edu

  6. Transcripts

    Official High School transcripts or GED® score

    • An official high school transcript must come directly from your high school. Arrange for the high school to email the official transcript to vtapply@pcc.edu. If electronic submission is not possible, contact us for an alternative.
    • An official GED® score must come from the testing entity under which you took your GED® examination.

    Note that diplomas, certificates, copies of unofficial high school transcripts, etc. do not fulfill this requirement. Opened transcripts are not considered official.

  7. Submit application

    Complete the application.

  8. Interview

    Competitive applicants will be offered a chance to sit for an interview and final decisions for program entry will be made after the interview.

After you apply

In early July, applicants will be notified of their status via their PCC email.

How are applicants selected?

Applicants are evaluated using a point system. Points can be earned in the following areas:

  • Prerequisite GPA
  • Overall GPA
  • Completion of a prior degree
  • Veterinary experience
  • Animal experience
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Interview