Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

I have questions about the admissions process. What should I do?

First, thoroughly review the application page. If you still have questions, please email healthadmissions@pcc.edu and one of our admissions specialists will reach out to you.

Where can I watch the recorded admissions information session?

A prerecorded admissions information session is available for you to view at your convenience.

How do I make sure I am an active, credit-seeking student?

Applicants need to be an active, credit-seeking student prior to applying to the Radiography program. If you haven’t taken a credit course at PCC in the last year, please update your application by going to pcc.edu/enroll. To confirm your status as an active credit-seeking student, email enroll@pcc.edu.

On average, how much does this program cost?

Applicants can expect the program cost, not including prerequisites, to be approximately $17,500 or more. This estimated cost does not include tuition fluctuations, food, housing, transportation, health insurance, immunizations, and more.

Can I work while in the program?

The Radiography program requires a 40-hour per week commitment. Due to its academically rigorous and intense academic and clinical schedule, students have reported that they do not have time to work while in the program.

To help you prepare financially, we strongly encourage all applicants to seek scholarship support as soon as they identify the Radiography program as a program of interest. You can find more information about ways to pay on PCC’s paying for college page.

I need help with planning my prerequisites. Where should I start?

If you are new to PCC, please connect with an advisor or fill out the new student question form. If you are already taking classes at PCC, you can set up an appointment with your assigned academic advisor.

Will my transfer courses be accepted at PCC?

Applicants with transfer courses are strongly encouraged to submit their official transcripts to Student Records for evaluation. Student Records will evaluate lower division collegiate coursework.

Upper division coursework is evaluated upon request. We do not recommend you request all upper division coursework to be evaluated by Student Records. Instead, request that they evaluate only the courses you intend to use as prerequisite courses. Each transfer course is subject to review by the PCC Student Records Office, the Medical Imaging Department, and/or the Admissions Team to determine transfer equivalency.

My completed prerequisite course now has the letter Z attached to it. Do I need to retake it?

If the course has not expired, applicants will not need to repeat the prerequisite course. For example, prerequisite courses such as BI 231Z used to be numbered as BI 231 and would not need to be retaken. Courses such as WR 121Z, MTH 111Z, and many others are part of the new Oregon Common Course Numbering system.

I have a bachelor’s degree. Can I waive the writing requirement?

The writing requirement is waived with completion of a previous U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. regionally accredited institution.

What other writing courses can be used to meet the WR 121Z requirement?

Applicants may also use the equivalent PCC WR 122Z, WR 222, and/or WR 227Z to meet the writing requirement.

What are the ways in which I can meet the math requirement?

• Applicants may take one of the following courses to meet the new math requirement:
  • MTH 111Z, MTH 112Z, MTH 251Z, MTH 252Z, or MTH 253Z
• If your approved math course has expired, you can reactivate both the course and its original grade by scoring 61 or higher on PCC’s ALEKS math placement test. Once reactivated, the course and grade will count toward your math requirement.
• The PCC ALEKS placement test must be completed by the end of PCC’s winter term.
  • PCC only accepts ALEKS raw test score reports from the PCC ALEKS math placement website to demonstrate math competency (not a PCC placement email – see below for details).

How do I find my ALEKS raw test score?

Once you have completed the ALEKS placement process through your MyPCC account, you will see your recent assessment. Click on the 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner of the box and download your results. Your raw test score should look similar to the picture below. Attach the downloaded score report to your AHCAS application. Reminder: the ALEKS placement must be completed by the end of PCC’s winter term.

Does PCC’s Radiography program require a computer literacy course?

The Radiography program does not require a computer science class as a prerequisite. However, success in the Radiography program requires that students are confident and comfortable in their computer skills. This may include, but is not limited to, word processing, data entry, use of spreadsheets, and internet research.

What if I take a prerequisite course as pass/no pass?

Individual prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher. Pass/no pass grading options are not accepted as proof of successful course completion.

If I have to take a course more than once, which grade will be used during my evaluation?

The highest qualified grade earned will be used when evaluating repeated prerequisite courses.

Can I use Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) courses from an unaccredited institution to meet a prerequisite course requirement?

The Radiography program does not accept CPL courses toward prerequisite or degree requirements. All prerequisite courses, including transfer work, must be completed with a “C” grade or higher from a regionally accredited institution to meet prerequisite course requirements.

What was your 2026 applicant profile?

The 2026 application cycle had:

• 438 applicants selected PCC as a program of interest.
• 254 met the minimum requirements and were verified in AHCAS.
• 64 applicants were invited to Phase II.
• 35 seat offers were extended.
• 2 alternate seat offers were extended.

Details on applicants invited to Phase II:

• 100% of the Phase II applicants had approved healthcare experience.
• 3.62 average prerequisite GPA for Phase II-eligible applicants.

Please note: These numbers change on a yearly basis. Individual Phase I and Phase II point totals are not released.

What were some of the reasons that applications were ineligible?

Typically, applications become ineligible for the following reasons: transcripts not verified by AHCAS, prerequisite courses did not transfer as equivalent to PCC’s required courses, applicants were in progress with prerequisites at the time of the application, prerequisite courses were more than 7 years old, and applicants were not admitted to PCC at the time of their application.

How soon should I begin working on my AHCAS application?

Each September, the AHCAS application becomes available. Be sure to select the correct summer term you intend to start. You can then complete your personal information, enter your academic history, and review AHCAS requirements. You won’t be able to designate PCC as your program of choice until January 2. After this date, you can view and start uploading your PCC-specific requirements.

Can I get help in filling out my application?

PCC employees are not allowed to assist you in filling out your application. You alone must complete your application. If you have questions about how to upload materials, issues with the transcript entry section, or sending transcripts, please reach out to AHCAS directly. If you have questions about what information is needed from PCC, please email healthadmissions@pcc.edu.

Do I need to upload evaluations to my AHCAS application?

AHCAS allows students to upload evaluation forms for their common application. PCC does not require, consider, or review evaluations to be submitted for application to the Radiography program. Students only applying to PCC can choose the “I am not adding any evaluations” button to complete the evaluation section of their common application.

Do I need to write an essay in AHCAS?

AHCAS requires an essay that will not be considered or evaluated for PCC admissions consideration. If you are only applying to PCC, you can write a one-sentence response in the essay response field to complete the required section of your AHCAS application. If you are applying to multiple schools through AHCAS, you are encouraged to check with each school to see if an essay response is required for admission to their program.

How do I submit official transcripts as part of my AHCAS application?

Learn about submitting your transcripts.

You are responsible for ensuring AHCAS lists your application as “verified.” Application evaluators cannot evaluate your application unless it is verified by AHCAS. For a detailed guide and to check your status, visit the AHCAS help page.

Do I need to report all courses taken in the “transcript entry” section in AHCAS?

Yes, all courses, including repeated, withdrawn, failed, and non-prerequisite courses, must be reported in AHCAS. Please ensure you leave enough time to fill out the transcript entry section and monitor your application status and email closely for contact from AHCAS.

Do I need to send my official transcripts to AHCAS even if I have already sent them to PCC?

Yes, applicants must send every official college transcript, including PCC transcripts, to AHCAS by the application deadline, even if all your official transcripts have been sent to PCC. It is your responsibility to ensure that AHCAS has received and verified all official transcripts.

I applied last year. Do I need to send my official transcripts to AHCAS again?

If you applied last year, you may not need to send all official transcripts to AHCAS again. Instead, you can use the reapplication function in AHCAS.

How will I be notified of my AHCAS application status?

All communication regarding your program application will go to the email address linked to your AHCAS account. Make sure to check this email often. After you’re admitted to the Radiography program, all official program-related information (like financial aid and post-selection steps) will be sent to your PCC student email address, which you can find in the top right of MyPCC. You are responsible for regularly checking both the email you used for AHCAS and your PCC email throughout the admissions process.

Will appeals be considered for applicants who miss admissions-related deadlines?

At PCC, we are committed to maintaining a fair admissions process by adhering to firm deadlines for application submissions and supporting documentation. Due to the high volume of applications, we cannot accept appeals for missed deadlines. We encourage all applicants to plan accordingly and submit required materials well in advance of the program deadlines.

Can I use old healthcare experience verification forms on my 2027 application?

There is a new healthcare experience verification form for the 2027 application cycle. Applicants can use old healthcare experience verification forms on their 2027 application. However, applicants are responsible for understanding the new requirements and hours needed to earn points. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the forms properly document the 2027 requirements. Applicants should check the application materials page to ensure all PCC documents, such as the healthcare experience verification form, are gathered before uploading them to their PCC application in AHCAS.

How can I earn points for my military experience?

Learn more about earning points for military service.

Which healthcare experiences can be counted toward Phase I points?

Learn about earning points for healthcare experience.

What if my healthcare experience official title is slightly different from what is on the approved list? Can it be used for points?

If your job title differs slightly from the official list (e.g., “tech aide” instead of “imaging assistant”) but fits an approved role, it will automatically be awarded the correct points based on your hours. Please be sure you upload all supporting documents, including a copy of your credential, if applicable, to help support the review of your healthcare experience. You do not need to appeal.

What if my healthcare experience is not on the approved list?

Non-qualifying roles cannot be appealed. If a license or role (e.g., licensed massage therapist) is not on the approved healthcare experience list, the program has already decided it does not qualify. Submitting an appeal will not change this outcome. If you have any questions, please email healthadmissions@pcc.edu.

I need support in finding healthcare experience opportunities. What should I do?

There are several ways applicants can acquire healthcare experience with direct patient contact:

• Meet with PCC Career Services to find job opportunities in your area, get support in writing your resume and cover letter, and practice interviewing.
• PCC offers a cooperative work experience education program that helps students explore potential career paths.

Applicants must complete the healthcare experience form and upload it to their AHCAS application to ensure their healthcare experience is documented and considered in Phase I of the admissions process.

Will my Phase I score be shared with me?

Our admissions team does not share individual Phase I scores, nor is the overall Phase I cut-score shared. Each year, the Phase I score, applicant pool, and/or the selection criteria change. Instead of sharing the Phase I cut-score, the admissions statistics for the most recent application cycle are published.

Can I appeal my Phase I evaluation?

Radiography program admissions specialists score applications strictly based on application materials submitted by the deadline. Every application undergoes independent review by at least two trained evaluators, and all Phase I evaluation scores are final.

• Competitive selection: Admission is highly selective with limited capacity. Decisions depend on the strength of the applicant pool, academic credentials, and completeness of application materials.
• Professional courtesy: We ask that all applicants maintain a polite, professional tone in all communications with PCC faculty, staff, admissions specialists, and advisors.
• Constructive support: If your application is not accepted, please allow yourself time to process the outcome before contacting our team. When you are ready, staff members are glad to provide constructive feedback where they can to help strengthen future applications.
• Career focus: Maintaining respectful interactions throughout the admissions process helps establish positive professional connections within the local imaging community.

What should I do to prepare for the panel interview?

Learn about preparing for the panel interview.

Can I complete the job shadow experience prior to being invited to Phase II?

No. As of 2026, the job shadow experience is now a requirement that is included in Phase II. Phase II applicants will be assigned to a job shadow experience at one of our hospital affiliate sites. Learn more about the job shadowing experience.

How should I prepare for the HSRT-AD?

Learn about preparing for the HSRT-AD.

Why are Phase II scores not shared?

Since your score in Phase I was competitive enough to advance to Phase II, we recommend that you spend the time between application cycles researching the field of radiography, practicing interviewing, and answering critical thinking questions. Check your application to ensure you meet the 2028 selection criteria, which typically is updated in early September.

After I receive a seat offer and accept program placement, what is required of me?

After being offered a seat in the program and the seat is accepted, students will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, a ten-panel drug screen, provide proof of required immunizations, and obtain CPR certification for healthcare providers (American Heart Association). Review the following requirements for clinical and field education.

Can I start working on these requirements now?

Please wait to start working on the above requirements until you are offered a seat in the program. Admitted students will receive specific directions from PCC’s Radiography program on how to meet and document these requirements.

Once I complete the program, will I be licensed or certified?

Once you complete the program, you will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification examination. Once certified and registered by the ARRT, licensure is done on a state-by-state basis and is required in most states, including Oregon and Washington.

How many PCC graduates pass the ARRT certification exam on their first attempt?

The ARRT certification exam pass rates, program completion data, as well as 5-year average job placement information can be found on the program effectiveness data page.