Members are discussing their experiences with taking prerequisite courses through Portage Learning, including the structure of the courses, the difficulty level, and the transferability of credits to nursing programs. Some users found the courses to be manageable and helpful, while others had concerns about the quality of education and the mismatch between study materials and exams. There is also discussion about the format of exams, the time required to complete courses, and the importance of checking with nursing schools for credit acceptance.
I am hoping to be accepted to an accelerated nursing program in either Fall 2016 or January 2017 (the nursing program has three start times per year). I have about six classes of pre-reqs that weren't able to transfer from my prior undergrad work. All but two of them can be taken through Portage learning, according to the adviser at the school who I spoke with.
However, I am apprehensive because as good as it sounds (all online! no books! cheaper than the local community college!) I have never taken an online, or even hybrid, course before. They weren't A Thing when I was in school 10 years ago. I am fairly good at keeping myself on track and can keep deadlines and things, but I'm still nervous.
If you used Portage, were you pleased with the results? How often did you get to speak with an actual instructor and would they be people you could possibly get an academic reference from?
@PreNurseJae you'll want to check with the nursing school that you're applying to to see if they accept it. I applied to Simmons and they took everything I took on Portage Chem fulfilled BOTH Organic and Inorganic, and also microbio, AP I, AP II, Psych (Development).
It looks like portage extended their course offerings - but for Chem - this is the one I took to fulfill the 2 required for nursing school:
CHEM 121: Foundations of General Chemistry w/Lab*
I am going to be taking the foundations for chem class as well through portage. How was it? I keep reading the Chemistry classes through portage are difficult and I'm getting nervous. I already took AP 1/2 and Microbiology through them. Microbiology was incredibly easy, AP 1/2 and tiny bit more challenging but I would never describe them as difficult. I'm starting to get anxious about Chemistry though...
You can definitely finish the class by August if you put your mind to it. I finished each of the AP1 and AP2 classes in about 5 weeks. If you have any other questions, please let me know. I highly recommend the program for all your prerequisites. I was very impressed!
Did you take both AP1 and AP2 at the same time or completed AP1 first?
I seem to be the minority here, but I would absolutely NOT recommend Portage Learning. For reference, I took pathophysiology. The study guides and materials do not reflect the exam, and I sought insight via Quizlet and other study materials and managed to pass with a C+. For reference, I graduated from Baylor with honors. I am not a bad student, and I genuinely try my best, but my best does not work when material does not match what we are tested on. I would absolutely change my choice if I could. I would have gone with one of my local community colleges to do patho had my timeframe been wider. I also do not know why nursing schools suggest this portal, because the learning experience is atrocious.
You can definitely finish the class by August if you put your mind to it. I finished each of the AP1 and AP2 classes in about 5 weeks. If you have any other questions, please let me know. I highly recommend the program for all your prerequisites. I was very impressed!
Did you take both course simultaneously or separate.
Does anyone have experience taking the biology (BIOD 101) with portage? My nursing program suggested that course to fulfill my biology prerequisite. Did anyone find it difficult? Or fairly easy? I'm curious if the exams come mainly from text, so it is easy to study, and if the labs are hard since you are only watching videos.
jlmcgrot
142 Posts
This is the best accreditation.