Online Organic Chemistry for MLS and PathA Applicants

Required specifically by Pathologists' Assistant programs (Duke, Loma Linda, Jamestown, Touro). ASCP accepts Organic Chemistry for Route 2. Regionally accredited, self-paced — start any month.

MLS Prerequisites Hub

3–4Credit 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

Nomenclature and classification of organic compounds
Reaction mechanisms: substitution, addition, elimination
Functional group chemistry: alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, amines
Stereochemistry and chirality
Spectroscopic methods: IR, NMR, MS
Biologically important molecules: carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, nucleotides
Lab: synthesis, chromatography, recrystallization, spectroscopy

How MLS Programs Use This Course

Organic Chemistry is required specifically by Pathologists' Assistant programs, which train students in gross and microscopic anatomic pathology. Duke, Loma Linda, Jamestown, and Touro PathA programs all require Organic Chemistry (not just Biochemistry). For MLS applicants not targeting PathA, Biochemistry is typically the better choice — ASCP accepts either for Route 2.

Chemistry

Online Organic Chemistry

📚 3–4 Credits⏱ Self-Paced

$695Total · 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 Biochemistry
Duke PathA Program	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Organic Chemistry required specifically
Loma Linda PathA Program	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Organic Chemistry required
Jamestown PathA Program	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Organic Chemistry required
Touro PathA Program	✓ Yes	✓ Yes	Organic Chemistry required
Most NAACLS MLS programs	— Verify	✓ Yes	Prefer Biochemistry; accept Organic

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pathologists' assistants work in gross anatomic pathology — cutting and examining surgical specimens, performing autopsies, and preparing tissue for histologic processing. Organic Chemistry's emphasis on functional group reactions, spectroscopy, and molecular structure is considered more foundational for this anatomic pathology focus than metabolic biochemistry.

ASCP Route 2 accepts Organic Chemistry in place of Biochemistry. However, most NAACLS MLS programs specifically require Biochemistry as the upper-division prerequisite — not Organic Chemistry. If you are applying to both PathA and MLS programs, you may need both courses.

UIU's Organic Chemistry course covers the core material of a standard one-semester Organic Chemistry course. If your target program requires a full year of Organic Chemistry (Orgo I + II), verify with the program before enrolling. Most PathA programs require one semester.