US National Residence Matching Programme (NRMP)

US Medical Residency for International Medical Graduate is a common practice, but the path to Medical Residency Match in USA can be confusing and overwhelming. We are here to help.

Let’s break residency application down into a simple ten-step process that will help you understand what you need to do, and when you need to do it.

Register with the USMLE

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates® (ECFMG ®) certifies the qualifications of International Medical Graduate   physicians before they can begin their US graduate medical education, or “Residency” for short. You will need to register with the ECFMG® to begin the ERAS® application process.

Taking the USMLE

  • The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE®) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States.
  • USMLE Step 1 examines how you understand and apply basic sciences to the practice of medicine.
  • The USMLE Step 2 CK exam evaluates whether you can apply your medical foundation and understanding of clinical science for the provision of patient care. 
  • Later, you will also have to pass USMLE Step 3 which is the final examination and focuses on providing patient care in an ambulatory setting. You have the option of taking this exam prior to applying for img residency or at the end of your internship year.

Get Valuable Clinical Experience in the USA

Participate in quality hands-on clinical electives in United States.

For more details please contact us at international.medicine@ucd.ie

Register with the AAMC

The Association of American Medical Colleges® (AAMC®) runs the Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS ®). ERAS® is the centralized online application system you will use for applying to residency programs through their MyERAS® Portal. 

Pick Your Residency Programmes

By now you will have taken several of your USMLE® Exams and will have a better understanding of how competitive you are as IMG for the Medical Residency Match. This is important and will help you screen the hundreds of US residency programs  in selected specialties (Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Psychiatry etc.) to find  those that you will most likely be competitive for.

Get your ECFMG® Token and Register with ERAS®

Obtain your ECFMG® Token through the OASIS or the MyECFMG mobile app. The ECFMG Token is a 14-digit alphanumeric number that is unique to you and is required to register with ERAS®. Once you have your token, register with ERAS, which you will need to do to submit your ERAS® applications.

Finalize Documentation and Submit ERAS® Application

You have already identified those medical residency programs for which you are qualified. Now you apply to them through ERAS® and include all supporting documentation.

This documentation includes your residency personal statement, ERAS® Common Application Form, MSPE letter, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation.

Medical Residency Interview

After you submit your ERAS® application, you may be asked to interview at one or more residency programs. This is one of the most important steps in the process. Preparing for your medical residency interview is critical for your ERAS application.

Register with the NRMP

The National Residency Match Program® (NRMP®) runs the annual Residency Match which pairs IMG residency applicants with residency and fellowship programs.

The Residency Match uses “rank order lists” submitted by both applicants and residency program directors to determine how applicants and programs should be partnered. Following your residency interviews, you will rank residency programs in order of preference.

Residency Post-Match

If you have matched, then congratulations! If you have not matched, you have a second chance with the post-residency Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program®, or “SOAP®” where you can compete for the Residency Match’s remaining unfilled positions.