degree in athletic training before taking the Board of Certification Exam (BOC), it is not the only way to receive an education. An entry-level master's program is a two-year program that covers the same material as an undergraduate athletic training degree. Standard prerequisite classes are human anatomy, human physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, personal health, and a certain number of observation hours completed under a certified athletic trainer (ATC). Graduate school in athletic training and related fields There are 15 schools in the US with an accredited athletic training master's program for those with a bachelor's in athletic training who want to pursue further education. These programs are typically two years in length. While enrolled in one of these programs, the athletic trainer may gain clinical experience and receive a stipend through a graduate assistant internship. Graduate Assistant Internships Typical responsibilities for graduate assistant interns include administering daily medical care to selected intercollegiate athletic teams, evaluating and documenting athletic injuries, completing administrative duties, serving as an approved clinical instructor or clinical instructor in a CAATE-accredited ATEP, and assisting the head athletic trainer. Other internships may include working at a high school or clinic, teaching, or researching. Graduate assistant positions are generally around 10-month appointments that may be renewable after the first year and sometimes include additional summer work. Accredited Programs CAATE evaluates athletic training programs to ensure that they follow the standards for entry-level athletic training programs. Evaluations may take place every three to seven years. Completing the CAATE accredited education program is a part of the criteria that determines a candidate's eligibility for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination. Organizations The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) is the professional organization for athletic trainers in the United States. NATA is broken down into 10 geographical districts which each appoint their own agendas and board members. Each district consists of about 3-6 states/territories which have a director that serves on the NATA Board of Directors. Every state has its own state athletic training association that acts similar to the district associations with their own board members. The state associations answer to the district associations and NATA. Before the formation of NATA, athletic trainers occupied a somewhat insecure place in the athletic program. Since then, considerable professional advancement has been made in the field. As well as the NATA, there's also the World Federation of Athletic Training & Therapy (WFATT) which