Online Biochemistry for MLS Applicants

ASCP accepts Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry for Route 2. Most NAACLS-accredited MLS programs prefer Biochemistry. Regionally accredited through UIU — self-paced, start any month.

MLS Prerequisites Hub

3Credit Hours

Self-PacedStart any month

UIUHLC Regionally Accredited

OfficialTranscript to ASCP/Program

🏛HLC Regionally Accredited (UIU)

✅ASCP & NAACLS Program Accepted

📅Start Any Month — Self-Paced

🎓Official UIU Transcript

💬Advisor Support Included

✅ Will this count for MLS prerequisites? This course is offered through Upper Iowa University (HLC regionally accredited). The ASCP BOC and NAACLS-accredited MLS programs require prerequisites from regionally accredited institutions. Always verify with your specific program before enrolling.

What You'll Learn

Amino acids, peptide bonds, and protein structure
Enzyme kinetics, inhibition, and regulation
Carbohydrate metabolism: glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism
TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and ATP synthesis
Lipid structure, metabolism, and lipoproteins
Nucleic acid structure, replication, transcription, translation
Hormones and signal transduction
Metabolic integration and nutritional biochemistry

How MLS Programs Use This Course

Biochemistry is the preferred upper-division chemistry prerequisite at most NAACLS-accredited MLS programs. Clinical chemistry — the largest section of the ASCP BOC exam — is essentially applied biochemistry: glucose metabolism, lipid panels, enzyme assays, acid-base disorders, and protein electrophoresis all map directly to biochemistry coursework. The ASCP Route 2 rule accepts Biochemistry in place of Organic Chemistry.

Upper-Division

Online Biochemistry

📚 3 Credits⏱ Self-Paced

$675Total · No hidden fees

Enroll Now →

Official UIU transcript · Monthly start dates

Which MLS Programs Require This Course

Program / Route	Requires This Course	Online Accepted	Notes
ASCP Route 2 (BOC)	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Accepted in place of Organic Chemistry
Most NAACLS MLS programs	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Preferred over Organic Chemistry at most
MLT-to-MLS Bridge Programs	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Usually required for bridge completion
PathA programs	— Verify	✓ Yes	PathA requires Organic Chemistry — not Biochemistry
Cytogenetics programs	— Verify	✓ Yes	Often recommended

* Always verify current requirements directly with your target program. Requirements change. Last reviewed May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most MLS applicants, Biochemistry is the better choice. ASCP accepts either, and most NAACLS-accredited programs prefer or require Biochemistry. Biochemistry is also more directly relevant to clinical chemistry bench work. The exception is if you are also targeting PathA programs — those require Organic Chemistry specifically.

A strong background in General Chemistry is essential. Organic Chemistry is not strictly required as a prerequisite for UIU's Biochemistry course, though some comfort with organic functional groups is helpful. Most students who have completed Gen Chem I & II can successfully complete Biochemistry without Organic Chemistry.

Biochemistry counts toward the 16 chemistry credits — not biology. It is considered an upper-division chemistry course in the ASCP classification. Your 16 biology credits are built from General Biology I & II, Microbiology, and other biology courses.