Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Ophthalmic Medical Technology

Apply to Ophthalmic Medical Technology

To join this program, you must apply for admission. This moderately competitive program accepts 24 students every fall term. We usually receive about 35-45 applications for these 24 spots. Candidates who are most successful have strong computer and communication skills. The selection process is based on a point system – see below how to earn points and become a more competitive applicant.

Questions? Attend an information session 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. On the application, choose Associate of General Studies for your major. (Your major will be updated after you’re admitted to the program.)
    Apply to PCC angle right

  2. Application timeline
    Term you want to start Apply to Ophthalmic Technology
    Fall 2022 Admission is closed
    Fall 2023 April 17 – June 16, 2023
    Take prerequisites

    All prerequisite classes must be passed with a grade “C” or above. 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.
    The following prerequisites must be completed by the end of Summer Term, 2023:

    • WR 121: English Composition
    • MTH 65: Introductory Algebra or MTH 58: Math Literacy

    The following prerequisite course have flexibility to be completed by the end of Summer Term, 2024:

    • MP 111: Medical Terminology
    • MP 135: Pharmacology – Allied Health
    • BI 121: Intro Human Anatomy/Phys I (will also accept BI 231 and 232 or BI 120)
    • BI 122: Intro Human Anatomy/Phys II (will also accept BI 233 or BI 120)

    For admission to Fall 2023, please contact healthca@pcc.edu for more information.

  3. 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: Communication, empathy, and teamwork are important attributes for success in the this program. Choose one of these attributes explain why you consider it a strength.
    • Essay question 2: Describe your experience related to healthcare and how this experience led you to apply to this program.
  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 health requirements and vaccinations. If you have any questions, please contact healthca@pcc.edu.

  5. Submit application

    The Fall 2023 OMT Program Application is available April 17 – June 16

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 orientation.

How are applicants selected?

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

  • Essay question 1: Program success attributes – 25 points max
  • Essay question 2: Experience/interest – 25 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 students receiving the same points, the order the applications were received by admissions.

Recommended

Applicants should type 35 words per minute to begin the program. Completing CAS 133: Basic Computer Skills and/or CAS 121: Computerized Keyboarding before applying is recommended but not required.