The NRMP Match Process

Applicants and residency programs must register separately with the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) to participate in the Match. This is an additional fee separate from ERAS and applicants should register for the NRMP Match by January of their match year (i.e. Match 2025 for Class of 2025 graduates must register by January of 2025) Both applicants and programs submit their rank order lists (ROLs) to the NRMP the month before

The Match in March. Applicants rank the residency programs they interviewed with in order of their preference, while programs rank the applicants they interviewed. On Monday of Match Week (usually in mid-March), applicants find out if they matched to a program. If an applicant is matched, they are committed to that program. If an applicant goes unmatched there are additional processes like the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), which helps unmatched or partially matched applicants find available positions. On the Friday of Match Week applications learn which program they have been matched to. Matched applicants prepare to begin their residency training in July, with specific orientation and onboarding processes depending on the program.

Overall, the residency application and Match process are designed to align the preferences of applicants and programs fairly and efficiently. Matching into a residency program is a significant milestone that sets the course for a medical career in a specialized field.