4-Year ABR Alternate Pathway

Program overview

The American Board of Radiology (ABR) offers an International Medical Graduate (IMG) Alternate Pathway to board certification for IMGs who are not planning to enter the standard residency pathway to certification in Diagnostic Radiology (DR).

At the University of Washington, the required four years of training can be accomplished through a combination of education in the following training programs: Abdominal Radiology, Cancer Imaging, Cardiothoracic Imaging, Emergency/Trauma Radiology, Musculoskeletal Radiology,  Neuroradiology, Nuclear Medicine, Pediatric Radiology, PET/CT, and Theranostics.

ABR certification allows IMGs to practice radiology in private practice or in any hospital (public or private) in the US. Most states in the US require two years of ACGME-accredited training in order to apply for an unrestricted license.

We make every effort to offer IMGs two years of ACGME training in the pathway.

The following programs are offered as part of the pathway. Please visit the individual program webpages for additional program requirements.

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• The submission deadline to be considered for a July 1, 2026 start was February 20, 2026. Applications received after this date for a July 1, 2026 start will be considered on a case-by-case basis or will be considered for a July 1, 2027 start.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Application Requirements:

1. Completed ABR Pathway Application: Indicate all programs you are applying to for consideration. 
2. Current CV 
3. Personal statement
4. USMLE 1-3 score reports. Successful completion of all 3 USMLE steps is required before an applicant may be considered for a potential pathway.
5. Valid ECFMG Certificate. Include extension if applicable.
6. Medical school diploma
7. Medical school transcripts
8. Dean’s letter/MSPE from medical school
9. Certificate of completion of residency
10. Three letters of recommendation. Include a letter from your residency training program, a letter from your current fellowship (if attending), and a letter from other faculty, colleagues, or fellowship directors.
11. Valid work authorization

Send completed applications to the ABR Alternate Pathway Program Administrator Kathy Nguyen at kn38@uw.edu:

For the full list of prerequisites, eligibility requirements, and how to apply to the ABR for certification, visit the Alternate Pathways to Certification webpage.

Interview Process

Once we receive your application, our programs will review your application. If there is sufficient interest, you will be offered virtual interviews with the faculty and staff of the interested programs. The interview process typically takes 2-4 hours for each program.

An exceptional candidate demonstrates a combination of clinical excellence, leadership qualities, a track record of strong research and scholarly activity, and volunteer or administrative work.

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

FAQ

• What is the deadline to submit my application?
  • We accept applications on a rolling basis and review applications as long as we have openings. Once all application material requirements are met, please email the materials to the Fellowship Program Administrator at kn38@uw.edu.
  • The submission deadline to be considered for a July 1, 2026 start was February 20, 2026. Applications received after this date for a July 1, 2026 start will be considered on a case-by-case basis or will be considered for a July 1, 2027 start.
• What visa can be sponsored?
  • The UW Department of Radiology’s 4-year ABR Alternate Pathway program is eligible for J-1 sponsorship at this time. H-1B transfers and J-1 transfers are supported.
  • Please be aware that our MSK Radiology program is not able to support trainees on a J-1 visa due to its non-ACGME-accredited status.
• Can I apply without my USMLE Step 3 score?
  • No. Please apply once all application documents are ready. Applicants will not be considered for a potential Pathway until all materials are provided. Providing some documents early will not give applicants an advantage or a head-start.
• I'm in the middle of training but want to transfer institutions. Do you accept transfers?
  • Yes. The ABR now allows the Alternate Pathway to be completed at up to 2 institutions and will award up to 24 months of retrospective credits. If accepted into the UW Alternate Pathway program, the candidate will need to submit an Acceptance Sponsoring Department Agreement and a Transfer Release Verification Form to the ABR. Please notify the Fellowship Program Administrator of your intent to transfer to the UW.
  • The ABR requires trainees to complete at least 24 months of training at the institution where they finish, even if it extends the total training time beyond 4 years. For more information regarding transfers, please visit the Alternate Pathways to Certification webpage from the ABR.
• What are housing options in the Seattle area?
  • Housing options in the Seattle area