PrereqCourses vs. Portage Learning for MLS Prerequisites

Portage Learning is the other self-paced online prerequisite provider used by clinical lab applicants. Here is an honest, side-by-side comparison of accreditation, course availability, pricing, and acceptance at NAACLS programs.

MLS Prerequisites Hub

🏛HLC Regionally Accredited (UIU)

✅ASCP & NAACLS Program Accepted

📅Start Any Month — Self-Paced

🎓Official UIU Transcript

💬Advisor Support Included

Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	PrereqCourses (UIU)	Portage Learning
Accreditation	HLC Regional (UIU) Regional	MSCHE Regional (Clarion/PennWest) Regional
ASCP Route 2 acceptance	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
NAACLS program acceptance	Widely accepted — verify per program	Widely accepted — verify per program
General Biology I & II	✓ Available	✓ Available
General Chemistry I & II	✓ Available	✓ Available
Microbiology with Lab	✓ Available	✓ Available
Biochemistry	✓ Available	✓ Available
Organic Chemistry	✓ Available	Limited — verify
Genetics	✓ Available	Limited — verify
Price per 4-credit course	$695	Comparable — verify current pricing
Self-paced	✓ Fully self-paced	✓ Self-paced
Monthly start dates	✓ Every month	Varies — verify
Advisor support	✓ Included	Verify

Both providers are regionally accredited. Portage Learning partners with Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest Clarion), which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) — also a recognized regional accreditor. From ASCP BOC's perspective, both UIU and PennWest credits are regionally accredited and acceptable. The meaningful differences are in course catalog coverage (UIU offers Genetics and a broader Organic Chemistry option) and pricing. Verify your specific target program's policy on either provider before enrolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portage Learning partners with PennWest Clarion, which is MSCHE regionally accredited. Most NAACLS programs accept credits from any regionally accredited institution. However, some programs have specific policies about online providers — always verify with your target program before committing to either provider.

Accreditation is the threshold question. Once both providers clear the regional accreditation bar, the decision comes down to course catalog (does the provider offer all the courses you need?), pricing, start date flexibility, and program-specific acceptance. For MLS applicants who need Genetics or Organic Chemistry specifically, PrereqCourses' broader catalog is an advantage.

Yes — ASCP BOC accepts credits from multiple regionally accredited institutions on the same application. Many applicants complete some courses at one provider and others elsewhere. Just ensure all transcripts from all institutions are submitted to ASCP BOC and your target program.