All In Policy Exception Criteria and Request Form

Under the terms of the NRMP All In Policy, any program participating in the Main Residency Match must attempt to fill all positions through the Match or another national matching plan. In rare instances, exceptions to the All In Policy may be granted.

Exceptions To The All In Policy

The NRMP requires completion of the attached form. Examples of possible exceptions are:
  • Rural Scholars Programs: programs that enroll eligible students into an enriched MS-4 year that focuses on rural health issues and tracks into primary care residency at the institution.
  • Family Medicine Accelerated Programs: programs that graduate students in 3 years and transition them into a Family Medicine residency at the institution.
  • Innovative Programs: programs that address a compelling public interest by creating an educational experience that differs qualitatively from traditional undergraduate medical education curricula.

NRMP Evaluation Criteria

The NRMP takes into account certain criteria when reviewing exception requests. They include but are not limited to:
  • Program approval by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, if appropriate
  • Specialty

    Is the specialty one for which innovative programming potentially addresses physician workforce needs?

  • Stated need for the program

    Does the program address regional- or state-specific shortage or geographic distribution deficiencies?

  • Degree to which the innovative curriculum or program differs from the traditional program track

    Is an exception from Match participation necessary to achieve the program’s goals?

  • Aspects of the opt-out provision for applicants

    What penalty, if any, do students face if they return to the traditional curriculum?

  • Program outcomes, real or projected

    Is the program achieving its stated objectives

The NRMP retains authority to modify the evaluation criteria at any time.

Form Submission

Programs seeking an exception must complete the attached form in its entirety and provide all requested information by the stated deadline. The request is reviewed by the NRMP Board of Directors who, in its sole discretion, may approve or deny it. Programs can be approved for an exception for up to three years, provided they annually attest that the structure and function of the program remains unchanged. After three years or upon any change to the program, a new exception form must be submitted.
Forms must be submitted to the NRMP no later than November 30.
Program Contact:
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Programs applying for an exception to the All In Policy will be evaluated based on information provided in response to the following items:
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