Match Systems
Match systems provide the mechanism by which the residency match process occurs. These are national systems through which applicants secure residency positions.
After interview season concludes, applicants and residency programs submit rank order lists to these national match system organizations who run their respective matching algorithms to assign applicants and residency programs to one another.
There are five primary matching systems: four US matching systems and one Canadian matching system.
For questions on the technical logistics of match systems, please contact Sarah Wood, the UW administrator of the residency application systems.
NRMP (National Resident Matching Program)
- Used By: All specialties except for ophthalmology and urology. Civilian only.
- System Opens: Mid-September of 4th year
- Ranking Deadline: Mid-Late February of 4th year
- Match Results Released: Third Friday of March
- Allows for Couples Matching: Yes
- Match System only
Understand how the NRMP matching algorithm works – 5 min. video
SF Match (San Francisco Match)
- Used By: Ophthalmology
- System Opens: June prior to 4th year
- Ranking Deadline: Early January
- Match Results Released: Mid-January
- Allows for Couples Matching: No
- Combined Application & Match System
Urology Match
- Used By: Urology
- System Opens: June prior to 4th year
- Ranking Deadline: Early January
- Match Results Released: Mid to late January
- Allows for Couples Matching: No
- Match System Only
Military Match
- Used By: All military branches
- System Opens: Dates to be communicated by each branch
- Ranking Deadline: Dates to be communicated by each branch
- Match Results Released: Mid-December
- Allows for Couples Matching: No
- Combined Application & Match System
CaRMS (Canadian Residency Matching Service)
- Used By: Canadian residency programs
- System Opens: Varies by match iteration
- Ranking Deadline: Varies by match iteration
- Match Results Released: Twice per year – once in late winter and once in early spring
- Allows for Couples Matching: Yes
- Combined Application & Match System
