Start your Veterinary Assistant diploma at our Santa Ana Branch Campus.
CVA-credentialed lead instructor. 800 hours of training in animal anatomy, restraint, surgical prep, lab procedures, and a 240-hour externship in animal-care settings. ABHES-accredited college serving SoCal since 1993. Federal aid + GI Bill® accepted.
Start your VA application
Get Free Program Info and learn more. An admissions advisor will follow up during business hours.
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From classroom to diploma in 36 weeks
Hands-on animal handling
Anatomy, restraint, and nursing skills from week 1.
Train from week 1
Lab work alongside lectures.
Real clinical experience
240 hours in a veterinary setting before graduation.
Inside the Veterinary Assistant program
Why students choose our Santa Ana Branch Campus
Four reasons our Veterinary Assistant program stands out to students deciding between schools.
9-month program length
Earn your Veterinary Assistant diploma in 36 weeks of focused training — 800 hours including a 240-hour externship.
Externship in animal-care settings
Your training includes a 240-hour externship in a veterinary or animal-care setting before you graduate.
Hands-on practical training
Animal handling, anatomy, pharmacology, office/hospital procedures, surgical prep, and diagnostic imaging support.
Expert faculty
The Veterinary Assistant program is taught by certified veterinary professionals (CVA-credentialed lead instructor) and experienced animal-care practitioners.
Multiple ways to pay
Every Veterinary Assistant applicant is screened for federal aid, VA benefits, and WIB funding.
Federal Aid (FAFSA)
Title IV federal financial aid. We help you complete the FAFSA at no cost.
VA / GI Bill®
Approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education. DOD Tuition Assistance also accepted.
Workforce Investment Board
Qualifying students referred by local WIB agencies pay — a reduction.
Other paths
Worker’s Compensation, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and periodic payment plans available.
From form to first day in 4 steps
Submit the form to get started. Here’s the enrollment path:
Submit the form
Name and phone — simple one-step form.
Admissions call
An advisor follows up. Questions, start dates, funding eligibility.
Tour the campus
See the labs and meet faculty before enrolling.
Enroll & start
Sign agreement, finalize funding, arrive Day 1.
Veterinary Assistants work at:
Per the U.S. Department of Labor occupational profile (SOC 31-9096.00), veterinary assistants are employed across:
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics O*NET database (onetonline.org). ACH does not guarantee employment in any specific role or setting.
Learn from experienced Veterinary Assistant faculty
Shaina Nielson, BA, CVA
Veterinary Assistant Lead (All Campuses)
Certified Veterinary Assistant, full-time
VA instructors are credentialed practitioners with hands-on veterinary clinic experience. Lab work with animal anatomy models and real exam techniques.
Santa Ana Branch Campus
Campus details
Designation: Branch
Address: 1840 E. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (888) 430-4224
WIB partnership: Yes — eligible students may receive reduced tuition via WIB partner agencies
Lab equipment on site
- Animal anatomy skeletons
- Practice restraint/handling equipment
- Centrifuge & microscopes
- Diagnostic instruments
- [VERIFY: VA-specific lab equipment]
Enrollment questions
When does the next class start?
Cohorts start regularly at the Santa Ana campus. Submit the form to get the next confirmed start date from admissions.
How can I pay for the program?
Federal aid (FAFSA), GI Bill®, WIB funding, payment plans, and other options are available for eligible students. Contact admissions for current tuition information.
Do I need a high school diploma?
Yes — high school diploma, GED, or CHSPE. Contact admissions for special circumstances.
What happens after I submit the form?
An admissions advisor will reach out during business hours. A campus tour and personal interview are required before enrollment.
Can I take classes online?
The Veterinary Assistant program is primarily in-person. We offer some online content, but lab work and externship are on-campus. Contact admissions for details.
Ready to enroll at Santa Ana?
Submit the form and an admissions advisor will follow up during business hours.
►Speak with admissionsGet Free Program Info