National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
In 1951, several groups involved with postgraduate training organized the National Resident Matching Program to provide graduating students with the opportunity to: (1) consider without undue pressure all available residencies; (2) list those of his or her choice in the order of preference; and (3) be matched to the hospital highest on the student's list that has a place for her or him within its quota. Virtually all of the nation's hospitals and graduating medical students participate in the NRMP for accredited residencies that begin in the first year of postgraduate training; in addition, most specialties have joined the NRMP or a separate specialty matching program for residencies beginning at the second or later year of postgraduate training. Both students and hospitals submit their respective choices in the order of preference at the same time, and matching is accomplished by computer.
In 1996, a study of the match algorithm was done in response to questions about modifications in the program that had changed the program to a mixed model of student/residency director preferences. These changes had occurred to a great degree because of additional features to accommodate advanced specialty matches with preliminary years and the couples’ match. In 1998, a revised algorithm was implemented that is based on a student preference driven approach.
Information about the NRMP will be forwarded to you through the Student Affairs Office; however, most of the interactions will be through the NRMP Website (www.nrmp.org). The most important NRMP dates for you to keep in mind are as follows:
- July-August of Fourth Year: NRMP registration information will be on the Web in July. NRMP registration begins August 15 through the NRMP website.
- January/February of Fourth Year: Completion of your confidential rank order of residency programs in order of preference, and entry of the list through the NRMP ROLIC system on the Web.
- March of Fourth Year: Match Day
Other Matching Programs
There are three other matching programs in which senior medical students may participate for securing residency positions for certain specialties. Students obtain information and register for these programs on their own, i.e. not through the Student Affairs Office.
- San Francisco Matching Program: This application and matching program handles neurosurgery and ophthalmology residency positions. [Note: In 2005, otolaryngology moved to the NRMP and for 2006, neurology will move to the NRMP.] The San Francisco Match uses the Central Application Service (CAS).
- Urology Match: This matching program handles only Urology programs. The Urology programs use ERAS.
- Military Match: This matching program is for students in the military and matches students to military residencies. The military programs use ERAS.
- Canadian Match Program: It is possible to match to a Canadian residency. However as a student in a U.S. medical school, you are considered an international student and have a lower priority. The residency match occurs before the NRMP so, if you match to a Canadian program this should be your preference. You will automatically be dropped out of the NRMP if you match to a Canadian program.
Students participating in any of these other matching programs still need to be registered in the NRMP to secure preliminary programs, to finalize advanced specialty match on some cases, or to be able to try to match to a second choice specialty if unmatched in the advanced specialty or military.
Questions regarding the matching process should be directed to the Student Affairs Office by calling (206) 543-5561.