Hands-on Veterinary Assistant classes near you in Santa Ana.
Blended format — online lectures + on-campus animal-handling labs + 240-hour externship. 800-hour VA program. New classes start every month. Federal aid + GI Bill® accepted.
Start your VA application
Get class info and learn more about the program. An admissions advisor will follow up during business hours.
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How the 36-week program is structured
Real equipment, real practice
Train on the gear you’ll use on the job.
Skills you’ll perform
Hands-on practice every week.
Real ACH labs
On-campus simulation + supervised practice.
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.
Monthly class starts
12 start dates per year — pick the one that fits your timing. New classes begin every month at our SoCal campuses.
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.
12 class starts in 2026
A new class starts every month. Pick the start date that works for you.
Recesses: Thanksgiving (Nov 25–29) · Winter (Dec 18 – Jan 3). Source: ACH School Catalog 2025–2026, page 74. Dates subject to change; confirm with admissions.
Blended format · 36 weeks
Synchronous lectures
Live online sessions plus asynchronous coursework via the Learning Management System.
Hands-on labs
Practical lab work using real equipment in our SoCal campus labs.
240-hour externship
Two externship rotations (120 hours each) in real animal-care settings — completed in person before graduation.
Source: ACH School Catalog 2025–2026, delivery method + program chart. Specific class times and lab schedules vary by class and campus.
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?
Classes 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 Class Info