Comparing PrereqCourses and Portage Learning for pa school prerequisites? Good news: both are regionally accredited, so this comes down to price, course experience, and support — not whether the credit will be recognized.
| Feature | PrereqCourses.com | Portage Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | Regionally accredited (Upper Iowa University / HLC) | Regionally accredited (Geneva College / Middle States) |
| Typical cost | Starting at $675–$695 per course | ~$399–$899 per course (A&P sequence ~$1,300+) |
| Enrollment model | Self-paced; new sessions begin the 1st of each month | Per-course enrollment; self-paced |
| Lab component | Virtual labs included | Virtual labs included |
| Credit transfer | Regionally accredited credit designed to transfer | Regionally accredited credit; widely accepted for science prerequisites |
| Course focus | Health-profession prerequisite focused | ~32 courses, science-prerequisite focused |
Competitor details reflect publicly available information as of May 2026 and may change. Always verify current pricing and acceptance directly.
This is a closer comparison than most. Portage Learning is regionally accredited through Geneva College (Middle States), the same gold-standard tier as PrereqCourses through Upper Iowa University (HLC). For acceptance purposes, both are strong choices, and either is far safer than an unaccredited ACE-only provider.
The real differences are practical. Portage Learning prices courses from roughly $399 to $899, with the full A&P sequence running $1,300 or more, and students frequently note the self-directed model offers little instructor support and a strict no-refund policy. PrereqCourses offers comparable per-course pricing with virtual labs included and new sessions beginning the first of each month. We'd encourage you to compare the specific courses you need, the lab format, and the support model side by side.
Credit is delivered through Upper Iowa University (HLC) — the regional accreditation tier programs trust most.
New sessions begin the first of every month. Courses begin the first of each month.
Courses are focused on the prerequisites ARC-PA-accredited PA programs actually require, with virtual labs included.
Regionally accredited, self-paced, and built for health-profession applicants. Courses begin the first of each month.
