There are four types of programs that can be ranked. They are the following:

1. Categorical Programs (C): Categorical positions are those in which one will remain through the entire length of his/her training. Positions consist of internship plus residency training. All categorical positions start at the PGY-1 level. Programs included here are family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, general surgery, psychiatry and pathology.

2. Advanced Programs (S): Positions for these programs start at the PGY-2 level or higher. These programs are usually specialized and include anesthesiology, ophthalmology, and diagnostic radiology. Anyone accepted immediately following medical school into an advanced (S) position must also arrange for his/her PGY-1 training in a Preliminary Position or a Transitional Program, both discussed below.
    
3. Preliminary Positions (P): These positions begin at the PGY-1 level and last one or two years, depending on the type of Advanced Program where one will eventually finish training. Preliminary positions do not provide complete training in any specialty. They are offered in internal medicine, general surgery, and transitional programs.
    
4. Transitional Positions: These programs start at the PGY-1 level. These positions are similar to preliminary ones in that they serve as prerequisites for advanced programs; however, they provide broader training. Fields of medicine that usually require a year in a transitional program include anesthesiology, dermatology, pathology, psychiatry, neurology, radiology, and ophthalmology.

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