Earn your Veterinary Assistant diploma at our Santa Ana Branch Campus — and step toward the AVA national credential.
9-module curriculum covering animal A&P, behavior, restraint, nursing, surgical prep, lab procedures, and a 240-hour externship. Graduates may pursue the AVA (NAVTA) national credential. Federal aid + GI Bill® accepted.
Start your VA application
Learn more about Certification Details and the programs. An admissions advisor will follow up during business hours.
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From curriculum to credential — what’s covered
AVA certification path
Program curriculum aligned to NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant exam.
Diploma + AVA credential
Graduate with your diploma and AVA credential eligibility.
NAVTA-recognized certification
AVA (NAVTA) — the credential veterinary employers look for.
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-module curriculum
800 clock hours covering animal A&P, behavior, restraint, nursing, surgical prep, lab procedures, and 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.
9-module curriculum
800 clock hours, 36 weeks, 43 credits — covering veterinary office procedures, medical terminology, A&P, pharmacology, animal handling and restraint, nursing, surgical preparation, lab procedures, plus two externship rotations in animal-care settings.
Source: ACH School Catalog 2025–2026, pages 4 and 65–66. Curriculum subject to revision; verify current modules in the most recent catalog.
National credential pathway
Veterinary Assistants may pursue the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential, administered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Approved Veterinary Assistant
Issued by NAVTA — the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Eligibility, exam administration, and fees are determined by NAVTA. navta.net
CVA-credentialed faculty
Lead VA instructor Shaina Nielson holds the Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) credential per the ACH School Catalog 2025–2026.
ACH does not issue, administer, or guarantee any veterinary credential. Eligibility for the AVA exam depends on completion of a NAVTA-Approved program; verify current program approval status with NAVTA before testing. Source: ACH School Catalog 2025–2026, page 73 (faculty roster); navta.net.
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.
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