I've never heard of classes, but I am waaaay on the other side of the country too.
I would definately suggest you find a mentor to work with. If you don't know one, ask your vet if they do. The vet I use was willing (with owner consent, which was never a problem) to let me come in and watch x-rays, sonars, c-sections, assisted deliveries...just about anything you can name.
Good luck!