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VIRMP® Info

Understanding the VIRMP

Every year, hundreds of veterinary graduates apply for internships and residencies, and hundreds of training programs look for the right candidates. The Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program brings structure and fairness to that process.

Before the match existed, applicants often faced offers that expired within days, pressure to commit before hearing from other programs, and timelines that rewarded whoever moved fastest rather than whoever fit best. The VIRMP replaced that with a single, predictable schedule. Applicants and programs each rank their preferences privately, and a neutral process pairs them.

The result treats every applicant and every program the same way whether a program is large or small.

The VIRMP is voluntary. Not all programs that offer internships and residencies participate. It is sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians and used by institutions across the United States and Canada

How the Match works

The VIRMP follows the same schedule for everyone. Here is how it works.

  1. Apply

    Applicants submit one application through the VIRMP and send it to as many participating programs as they choose.

  2. Program Review

    Programs review applications. Everyone works from the same calendar, so no program can pressure an applicant to decide early.

  3. Rank

    Applicants list programs in order of preference. Programs list applicants in order of preference. Both lists stay confidential.

  4. Match

    The matching process compares both lists and matches an applicant with the program the applicant ranked highest that has an opening for them and matches a program with the applicant the program ranked highest who is available to that program.

  5. Results

    Results are released to everyone at the same time on the same day. Those who do not match receive a list of unfilled positions.

The rest of the VIRMP Info sections cover application requirements, deadlines, fees, withdrawal regulations, program definitions, and guidance for international applicants. All participants should review this information.

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