Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Apply to Medical Laboratory Technology

To join this program, you must apply for admission. This moderately competitive program accepts 20-24 students every fall term. We usually receive about 35-40 applications for these spots. The selection process is based on a point system – see below.

Questions? Schedule a visit or talk with a program advisor.

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 Medical Laboratory Technology
    Fall 2024 March 11 – May 3, 2024
    Take prerequisites

    All prerequisite classes must be passed with a grade “C” or above by the end of spring term. If you have met the core requirements of any of these classes at other colleges, contact healthca@pcc.edu to have your transcripts unofficially evaluated.

    • WR 121: English Composition
    • MTH 95: Intermediate Algebra
    • CH 104, 105 and 106: Allied Health Chemistry (will also accept CH 221-223)
    • BI 121 and 122: Intro Human Anatomy/Phys I and II (will also accept BI 231-233 or BI 211-213)
    • MLT 110: Introduction to Medical Lab Technology (for Fall 2024 admission this class will not be required)
  3. Attend information session

    Attend an MLT Program zoom information session. There will be four sessions to choose from and attendance at one of these is mandatory to be eligible to apply:

    • Thursday, March 14 at 3pm
    • Monday, April 8 at 9am
    • Thursday, April 18 at 4pm
    • Monday, May 13 at 10am

    Sign up for the information session that works best for you. You will receive a zoom invite after filling out this form.
    Contact healthca@pcc.edu with questions

  4. Check basic qualifications

    This program includes or requires educational experiences that take place in clinical/field environments. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division requires students in clinical/field environments to comply with all vaccination requirements. Clinical sites may have additional requirements, including COVID-19 vaccination. Students are also required to pass a criminal background check and drug screenings. If you have any questions, please contact healthca@pcc.edu.

  5. Prepare essays

    Write answers to the following questions. Each response should be 200-400 words. You’ll submit these with your application, below. Be sure to include examples to support each response. Need a bit of support to get your ideas from your thoughts to the paper? The career center at Cascade Campus can help. Make an appointment for some guidance, a bit of proofreading and idea brainstorming. Contact connect2@pcc.edu or 971-722-5600 and ask for an appointment with Tanya Maldonado.

    • Essay question 1: Essay question 1: Adaptability, task management, and troubleshooting / problem solving are important attributes for success in this program. Choose one of these attributes and explain why you consider it a strength.
    • Essay question 2: Explain why you think a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to a successful career in healthcare?
  6. Submit application

    The Fall 2024 MLT program application is available March 11 – May 4 at 5pm.

After you apply

You’ll be notified about your application status by one month after the close of the application period. Check your MyPCC email: all communication is done through your PCC email account.

If you have been accepted into the program, you will be invited to a mandatory, face to face orientation on September 13.

How are applicants selected?

Students will receive admission points for grades in prerequisite classes and a variety of short answer essay questions:

  • Prerequisite coursework GPA – 15 points max
  • Essay question 1: Program success attributes – 20 points max
  • Essay question 2: Diversity, equity, and inclusion – 20 points max

For detailed information on the point system, see the printable admissions advising guide.

Applicants who qualify, but do not have the top points for admission will be notified of their status as a program alternate. Often, alternates are eventually selected for the program. Alternates will be listed in order of points, and in the case of applicants receiving the same points, the order of applications were received by admissions.