University of North Dakota Program

The University of North Dakota Transitional Year Residency Program is a one-year training program located at Sanford Health in Fargo, N.D. It serves as a clinical base year for resident physicians before advancing to their specialty training. The program is committed to providing individualized learner plans and fostering an environment of inquiry and learner well-being. With a small program size, residents can expect collegial, experiential, and hands-on learning experiences.

Application criteria include completion and passing of USMLE Step 1/COMLEX Level 1 before the application deadline, with Step 2/COMLEX Level 2 results required by a specified date. The program accepts two letters of recommendation and preference for candidates who passed Step exams on the first attempt. Graduates of medical schools disapproved by the North Dakota Board of Medicine are not considered, and the program does not sponsor visas.

The curriculum consists of fundamental clinical skills rotations including inpatient internal medicine, critical care medicine, emergency medicine, ambulatory medicine, and night medicine/practice-based learning and improvement. In addition, there are elective blocks allowing residents to tailor their education to their learning goals and objectives.

The program participates in the NRMP and ERAS application system. The application deadline is typically in November, with interviews conducted virtually through Thalamus. Residents enjoy a well-balanced clinical curriculum, excellent benefits, and a supportive learning environment.