Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

When will the Veterinary Technology application be available?

See the application timeline.

When is my application due?

See the application timeline.

Can I apply to the Veterinary Technology program if I have not completed all of the prerequisite courses?

To ensure student success in the program, applicants must complete all prerequisite courses to be considered for the program.

How do I find out if my credits from another college or university meet the program prerequisites?

Please submit a copy of your unofficial transcript (PDF preferred) to vet@pcc.edu.

Can someone help me find a clinic to fulfill the 40-hour observation requirement?

Yes. Please contact Aimee Bosland with PCC Career Services for assistance.

What are my chances of being accepted into the program?

The Veterinary Technology program receives 60-70 applications per year and accepts 25-30 students to begin in the Fall term.

To be most competitive, an applicant would satisfy some combination of the following criteria:

• At least three months experience in a veterinary clinical setting
• A’s and B’s in prerequisite coursework
• Other college credits (especially in math and science)
• Competitive college GPA
• Excellent letter of recommendation from a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician
• High interview score

If I am not accepted into the program, do I have to reapply next year?

Candidates who are not accepted must fill out a new application and re-submit the application packet the following year.

When can I start the program?

The Veterinary Technology program is cohort-based. First year students entering the program do so only once per year in the fall.

How long is the program?

Veterinary Technology is a full-time program that takes seven consecutive terms to complete.

What is the program experience like?

Veterinary Technology students receive top-quality veterinary medical training that aligns with current industry standards. This training includes hands-on experience with a variety of animal species, low student to teacher ratios, timely feedback and advising, and completion of three 140-hour externships in various veterinary facilities.

What are the instructional facilities like?

Our program has state of the art facilities for both our lecture and laboratory learning spaces. All classrooms are equipped with all necessary multimedia equipment. Our laboratory classroom is equipped with the appropriate spaces and equipment necessary for microscopic evaluation, anatomical dissections, display of anatomical models, and more. Our Veterinary Technology classroom contains a full radiology suite, surgical suite, examination tables, and laboratory for running diagnostic tests.

We house our program dogs and cats in a kennel facility located on campus. At the end of their time in our program, these animals are adopted out to new homes. We also have a working farm on our campus which includes sheep, cattle, llamas/alpacas, horses, goats, rabbits and chickens. These animals provide ample opportunity for our students to obtain first hand experience in the husbandry and medical needs of various species.

How are classes within the program scheduled?

This program offers classes during day time hours only and, on a set schedule. Most Veterinary Technology courses are offered only once per year

See the Sample Veterinary Technology Schedule for an example of a student schedule (Note: This may not be your exact class schedule.)

What is the outlook for employment as a Veterinary Technician?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks Veterinary Technology as a career that is growing faster than average. Rising salaries and the nationwide shortage of veterinary technicians supports rapid employment after graduation.

How much does the program cost?

See approximate costs of the Veterinary Technology program.

Are there scholarships and financial aid available?

Yes, please see the PCC Financial Aid website for details on financial aid and scholarships. You can also contact our Career Services office to get individual help finding scholarships.