Eye Technician

Apply to Eye Technician

To join this program, you must apply for admission. This slightly competitive program expects to accept 18 students for Winter 2025. 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

  2. Application timeline
    Term you want to start Apply to the Eye Technician program
    Winter 2025 August 19 – October 7, 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.

    • PSY 101: Psychology and Human Relations
    • MP 113: Provider CPR/AED First Aid/BBP
    • Placement out of or completion of MTH 20, RD 115 and WR 115

    Program requirements strongly recommended to be taken before admission:

    • MP 111: Medical Terminology
    • OMT 100: Intro to Ophthalmics
  3. 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 health related requirements and recommendations. 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.

  4. Prepare essay

    Write answers to the following question. Your response should be less than 600 words. You’ll submit this with your application, below. Be sure to include examples to support your 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: Program Success Preparation (600 words or less)
    The ET Program is full time with face-to-face coursework, online coursework, and clinical site work during weekdays. The first term of the program is a minimum of 15 credits and could be up to 20 credits if you have not yet taken MP 111 (4 credits) and/or OMT 100 (1 credit.) Spring Term is 15 credits, Summer Term is 13 credits and Fall Term is 14 credits. To be successful in this program, students need to dedicate at least 25 hours per week for courses and school work and 20 hours per week for clinical experiences each term.

    Here is the anticipated winter term program schedule:

    • Mondays: classes/labs from 9 – 11:50am at the Cascade Campus
    • Tuesdays: classes/labs 9am – 3:50pm  at the Cascade Campus
    • Wednesdays: Practicum (at a clinic, face-to-face) 8am – 5pm
    • Thursdays: Practicum (at a clinic, face-to-face) 8am – 5pm
    • Fridays: classes/labs from 9am – 12:50pm  at the Cascade Campus

    In addition to the above schedule,  students will also have online courses each with their own assignments and deadlines.

    Please write an essay explaining what time management strategies you will use to stay on top of commuting, attending in-person classes, participating in practicum experiences, working on your online coursework, studying, alongside self-care and any other personal commitments. Please address each of the above topics in your essay.

  5. Submit application

    The Eye Technician Program application will be accepted August 19 – October 7

After you apply

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

How are applicants selected?

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

  • Completion of MP 111 before the end of fall term (5 points)
  • Essay question TBA (20 points)

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.