Veterinary Technology

Apply to Veterinary Technology

To join the Veterinary Technology program, you must apply for admission. This moderately competitive program accepts up to 30 students once per year, in the spring, for a fall start date.

Students are assessed based on grades in prerequisite coursework, fulfillment of the high school transcript or GED requirement, other related college coursework, veterinary experience, animal experience, and interview. Points are earned in each category – see how to earn points and become a more competitive applicant below.

It is essential to understand all required application criteria. Incomplete applications or missing documents can result in forfeiture of consideration. All communications from the Veterinary Technology program will go to your PCC email address.

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

  2. Application timeline
    Term you want to start Apply to Vet Tech
    Fall 2027 by May 1, 2027 at 5pm
    Attend an information session

    Information sessions are held remotely, multiple times each year, and provide an overview of the career, details about our program, and an in-depth explanation of the application process.

  3. Take prerequisites

    These classes must be completed with a grade of “C” or better by the May 1 deadline. If you have taken these (or an equivalent course) at another college, please submit a copy of your unofficial transcript (PDF preferred) to vet@pcc.edu for approval prior to applying.

    • MTH 95: Intermediate Algebra, or higher
      • Beginning in the 2028 application cycle, the new math requirement is MTH 110, or higher. If you are applying in 2028 or after and have not already completed MTH 95, then you should complete the new math requirement of MTH 110, or higher.
    • WR 121: English Composition, or higher
    • CH 103: Allied Health Chemistry I, or higher
    • BI 112: Cell Biology, or equivalent
    • MP 111: Medical Terminology, or equivalent
  4. Complete veterinary observation

    All applicants must spend at least 40 hours in a veterinary clinical setting and submit the direct observation form with their application. If you need assistance with finding a veterinary setting, please contact Aimee Bosland, PCC Careers Specialist.

  5. Letter of recommendation

    Obtain a letter of recommendation that verifies animal care skills and knowledge, personal/team skills, and commitment/work ethic. This letter will ideally come from a practicing veterinarian or certified, licensed, or registered veterinary technician. Email the letter to vtapply@pcc.edu.

  6. Transcripts
    • High school transcripts or GED® test scores: Official high school transcripts confirming graduation or official GED® test scores must come directly from your high school or GED® testing entity.
      • Note that diplomas, certificates, copies of unofficial high school transcripts, etc., do not fulfill this requirement. Opened transcripts are not considered official.
      • Official transcripts or GED® test scores can be emailed to vtapply@pcc.edu or, if electronic transcripts are not available, they can be mailed to:

        Portland Community College
        Veterinary Technology Program
        ℅ Dr. Ragan Borzcik
        PO Box 19000
        Portland, OR 97280

    • College transcripts: If using coursework from a college or university other than Portland Community College, applicants must submit official college transcripts. Learn about transferring credits to PCC.
  7. Submit application

    Complete the Veterinary Technology application by 5pm on May 1 of each year for admission the following fall term.

  8. Interview and acceptance notifications

    Competitive applicants will be offered a chance to sit for an interview sometime in May, and final decisions for program entry will be made after the interview. Acceptance notifications will be sent via email 1-2 weeks after interviews are complete.

  9. Receive rabies vaccination

    Receive your human pre-exposure prophylaxis rabies vaccination after acceptance to the program but 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.

After you apply

In June, 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 as follows:

Veterinary Technology application points
Category Evaluation criteria Points possible
Veterinary Technology application Submit a complete application by May 1 at 5pm 1 point
Prerequisite GPA
A: 4.0 GPA 2 points each
B: 3.0 GPA 1 point each
College experience Passed all classes with a full load (12+ credits) in a term 0.5 point per term (max 2 points)
Additional coursework
Communication course(s): 3.5+ GPA 1.5 point
Communication course(s): 3.0 GPA 1 point
Communication course(s): 2.0 GPA 0.5 point
Animal handling experience Any animal-related employment, volunteer work, or personal experiences will be awarded points based on the type of animal experience Max 3 points
Required veterinary volunteer hours Minimum of 40 hours of documented time spent in a veterinary clinical setting 0 points
Veterinary experience Hours of veterinary work experience 1 point per 500 hours
Personal statement 3 points
Letter of recommendation Verifying animal care skills and knowledge, personal/team skills, and commitment/work ethic Up to 2 points
Interview Average score based on readiness for the program, understanding of the career, and interview skills Up to 8 points
Alternate Status Awarded to repeat applicants who were alternates in the previous years’ application cycle 1 point