About United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS)

The American Society of Neuroimaging voted to conclude its formal relationship with the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS), which has served as the accrediting body for our Neuroimaging subspeciality fellowships and the certifying body for our physicians.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens to my current UCNS Certification?

• All current diplomates will be grandfathered into ASN certification. You will soon receive a new certificate bearing the ASN name. Your ASN certification will not be time-limited, nor will it require Maintenance of Certification (MOC).

How does this impact my MOC requirements?

• Your ASN certification will not be time-limited, nor will it require Maintenance of Certification (MOC). If you are in the process of MOC by UCNS, you do not need to complete it.

What led to the decision to terminate the relationship with UCNS?

• Despite collaborative efforts, ASN and UCNS have not been able to identify a solution that fulfills the needs of both organizations. For some time, ASN has expressed concern about the continued decline in diplomate numbers and the absence of an inclusive pathway for many accomplished international physicians to pursue certification.

What does ASN hope to accomplish by establishing its own processes?

• ASN will focus on expanding opportunities for certification, growing the number of diplomates, and providing a pathway for the many accomplished international physicians—those practicing outside the U.S. who did not complete an ABMS- or AOA-accredited residency—to pursue certification in Neuroimaging.

What are the next steps?

• ASN is establishing its own processes for fellowship accreditation and physician certification. A committee of subspecialty experts is being formed to develop the exam, define eligibility criteria, and outline exam content. 

How long will this process take?

• We anticipate the development process will take approximately 12 to 18 months.

Will ASN certification be recognized by hospitals, insurers, or credentialing bodies?

• Yes. ASN certification will be recognized as the continuation of UCNS Neuroimaging certification. ASN is also actively working to ensure broad recognition and acceptance among hospitals, payers, and professional organizations.

What happens to existing UCNS-accredited fellowships?

• ASN will assume responsibility for fellowship accreditation. Programs that are currently UCNS-accredited will be offered a straightforward pathway to transition into ASN accreditation.

Will there be opportunities for input from members?

• Absolutely. ASN is committed to a transparent process and will seek feedback from diplomates, fellowship directors, and practicing neuroimagers during the development of the new certification and accreditation standards.

Will international physicians be eligible right away?

• ASN’s goal is to provide a clear pathway for accomplished international physicians to pursue certification. Specific eligibility criteria will be defined by the expert committee and shared as soon as they are finalized.

How will the new ASN exam differ from the UCNS exam?

• The ASN certification exam will be designed to reflect current clinical practice, emerging technologies, and the latest advances in neuroimaging. It will be developed by a committee of recognized experts in the field.

What resources will ASN provide during this transition?

• ASN will offer regular updates, online resources, and dedicated support for diplomates, fellowship directors, and candidates to ensure a smooth transition.

In 2001, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) developed a Commission on Subspecialty Certification comprised of five major neurology organizations: 

• American Academy of Neurology

• American Neurological Association

• Association of University Professors of Neurology

• Child Neurology Society

• Child Neurology Educators Committee of the Child Neurology Society

The five parent organizations had a common interest of supporting and nurturing neurologic subspecialties and proposed to establish the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS). In 2003, the UCNS was incorporated as a separate nonprofit organization with the mission of accrediting neurologic subspecialty training programs and certifying competence of physicians with the goal of enhancing the quality of training for physicians and enhancing quality health care for patients.

Certification
Physicians who pass a UCNS-certification examination have demonstrated their expertise in their subspecialty area and a commitment to providing quality patient care. Certification examinations are developed by a committee of physician experts identified by the subspecialty’s sponsoring organization(s). UCNS certification does not expire when annual continuous certification requirements are met.

Neuroimaging Certification Eligibility and Application Information

Certified UCNS Diplomates

UCNS Certification Recognition

Reasons to Become Certified

Market Your Certification