Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Apply to Medical Assisting

To join this program, you must apply for admission. This somewhat competitive program accepts 24 students fall, winter and spring terms. This program uses a guaranteed admissions process. Students must create a plan to complete admission requirements with healthca@pcc.edu [opens in new window] and be added to a guaranteed admission list. Once on the list, students complete classes on their plan to remain eligible for admission. Lists fill quickly and are often filled several terms in advance. See below for details about how to qualify.

To move forward with this option, you will need to reach out to healthca@pcc.edu [opens in new window].

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
   

   Application timeline

   Term you want to start	Apply to Medical Assisting
   Spring 2025 Cascade	Currently full with full waitlist, students with guaranteed admission applications accepted June 9 – July 3, 2025
   Winter 2026 Willow Creek	Currently full with full waitlist
   Spring 2026 Sylvania	Currently full with full waitlist
   Fall 2026 Cascade	List opens in September. Check back in June for updates on date and process.

2. Check 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 [pdf]. 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 questions, contact healthca@pcc.edu [opens in new window].

3. Email us

   Contact healthca@pcc.edu [opens in new window] to express your interest in moving forward with guaranteed admissions. Our admissions coordinator will guide you through the next steps.

4. Create guaranteed admission plan

   Plans will include all program prerequisites as well as the “recommended” courses.

   • Prerequisites:
     • WR 121: English Composition
     • MP 111: Medical Terminology
     • BI 120: Survey of Body Systems (will also accept BI 121 or 231 and 232, see recommended biology prerequisite information below)
     • MP 140: Intro to Health Law and Ethics
   • Recommended classes (graduation requirements):
     • MP 135: Pharmacology – Allied Health
     • BI 122 if you took BI 121, BI 233 if you took BI 231 and 232

   Please contact admissions at healthca@pcc.edu [opens in new window] before taking any prerequisite or recommended class as a Pass/No Pass grading option. There is a limit to how many classes can be P/NP.

5. Follow admissions plan

   Complete the required courses in the agreed upon timeline.

6. Complete guaranteed admission application

   Students will receive a special application to the program. As long as students are on track to complete all classes on their plan by the end of the term prior to the term they plan to start they will be admitted into the program.

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.