Person welding in PPE

Accelerated Welding Technology (VESL) - How to Get Started

The accelerated welding technology (VESL) certificate program is a restricted entry program intended for English learners. Contact the listed advisor for more admission information.

Admissions Requirements

We are excited about your interest in our integrated metals program at Mt. Hood Community College. Below are the requirements to fulfill to be considered an applicant for the program.

To apply for fall 2024 admission, you must meet the requirements below by the deadline date of Sept. 27, 2024. Below are the prerequisites required as well as an explanation of the points system used as the basis for admission.

The integrated metals program requires students to be admitted to a specific option of study. There are four options in the program:

  • Integrated metals – Associate of Applied Science degree
  • Machine tool technology – Associate of Applied Science degree
  • Machine tool operator certificate
  • Machinist certificate

Applicants must meet the prerequisite course levels in reading, writing, and math by either Option 1 or 2 listed below. If using Option 2, coursework must be completed with a "C" grade or higher.

OPTION 1 – Placement Scores

  • Reading: Placement score into RD115
  • Writing: Placement score into WR115/WR101
  • Math: Placement score into MTH060

OPTION 2 – Course Completion

  • Reading: Completion of RD090/IECC201R /WR115 or higher level of reading or writing-specific course
  • Writing: Completion of WR090/IECC201W or a higher level of writing-specific course
  • Math: Completion of MTH020 or a higher-level math-specific course

How to Apply

Now that you know the requirements let’s get started on the application process. Below are step by step instructions on how to get your applications submitted successfully!

Application Process

Apply for general admission to MHCC if you are new to MHCC or have not attended in the last four terms. Select General Studies as your major. Please note it could take one to two business days to receive your MHCC ID number.

Course Placement

  • Only the Accuplacer College Placement Test (CPT) can be used to meet the prerequisite course-level requirements. Scores are valid for five years.
  • You cannot use Smarter Balance, high school GPA, or GED® scores for meeting the prerequisite requirements for admission into this program.

Official Transcripts

  • Transcripts showing completed coursework that meets the academic requirements must be issued directly by the institution from which the course(s) were completed. Coursework showing as transferred from one institution to another is not accepted. Official electronic transcripts submitted via secure electronic delivery service may be submitted to [email protected]. E-transcripts cannot be sent from the student to MHCC as they are not considered official. If submitting transcripts by mail, send to:

Mt. Hood Community College – Integrated Metals Application
Admissions, Registration and Records
26000 SE Stark St.
Gresham OR 97030

  • Regionally Accredited Institutions: Required for prerequisite courses.
  • Non-Regionally Accredited Institutions: Not required.
  • AP (Advanced Placement), CLEP, DSST and IB (International Baccalaureate) scores and non-US based educational transcript are required only if using for meeting the admission requirement.
  • MHCC transcript: Not required, already on file.

Submit your application from January through Sept. 27, 2024. If applicable, please be sure to have your documents ready for uploading and transcript(s) available for entering your prerequisite courses. You must have all your documents ready. Once started, your application cannot be saved.

As your application gets reviewed, the status will be updated in the MyMHCC portal.

After You Apply

After you have submitted your application for the integrated metals program at MHCC, here’s what the selection process entails!

Your application will be evaluated for admission to the program on a first-completed, first-accepted basis. If the program is full, you will be placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted students are offered a position in the class if any of the accepted candidates decline their position in the program.

If you have questions regarding admission requirements and procedures, please email [email protected]

If you are offered a seat in the program, you must:

  • Reply to the email from [email protected] to confirm acceptance of a position in the program within the specified timeline indicated in the letter.
  • Register for first term program classes by the date specified in your acceptance letter.
Failure to complete any of the above requirements will forfeit your seat in the program.

Additional Program Information

These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice. They are listed only as a guide for your financial planning. All costs may vary. Books and lab fees may change depending on the selected course and section. Tuition is as of fall term 2022. To view the current tuition rate, visit our tuition page. Tool costs will vary depending on supplier and may be estimated at $1000 for the machine tool courses and $500 for the welding course.

INTEGRATED METALS – Two-Year AAS Degree: $15,167.70

Estimated cost includes Machine Tool and Welding Courses
  • Tuition and College Fees: $13,509.50
  • Additional Course Fees: $1,031.00
  • Textbooks, Lab Manuals, Calculator: $627.20
MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY – Two-Year AAS Degree: $14,952.65
  • Machine tool degree program course tuition and college fees: $13,198.00
  • Additional course fees: $896.00
  • Textbooks, Lab Manuals and Calculator: $858.65
MACHINE TOOL OPERATOR – One-Year Certificate: $7,559.80
  • Program course tuition and college fees: $6,544.75
  • Additional Course Fees: $410.00
  • Textbooks, Lab Manuals, and Calculator: $605.05
MACHINIST – One-Year Certificate: $6,382.85
  • Program course tuition and college fees* $5,570.00
  • Additional Course Fees: $390.00
  • Textbooks, Lab Manuals, and Calculator: $422.85

Learn About Paying for College

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) reserves the right to modify the criteria and the process for selection.

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the integrated metals program. Admission of all students to the program is centralized in the admissions, registration, and records office. This office has the final authority on what constitutes equivalency for all admission criteria and the sole authority to inform students of their admission status.

If you have questions regarding admission requirements and procedures, please email [email protected].

Financial Aid: Applicants may qualify for financial aid and are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) available online. This application includes grants, loans, and work study. Information about financial aid, including instructions for completing the FAFSA, is posted on the MHCC Financial Aid web page. Scholarships are also available. Visit the scholarship web page for more information.

To avoid missing financial aid deadlines and opportunities, it is recommended that the FAFSA® be completed on Oct. 1 for the following academic year or at the time of program applications. Financial aid inquiries may be directed to [email protected].

Veteran Services: If you are a veteran, member of the Reserves or National Guard and plan to take classes, you may be eligible for educational benefits through the Department of Veterans' Affairs or Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs. Benefits may also be available to eligible spouses and/or children of veterans. The Veteran Services Center, located on the Gresham Campus in Room AC1152, provides a one-stop, centrally located area for students applying for or having questions regarding their veteran benefits.

Take the next step with Mt. Hood Community College

Have questions about the Accelerated Welding Technology (VESL) Program?

Read Accelerated Welding Technology (VESL) Frequently Asked Questions


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