The rise of ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) therapy in hospitals is undeniable, driven by expanding clinical applications, technological advancements, and growing evidence of improved patient outcomes.
Recent data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry highlights this momentum. The registry, which tracks global ECMO cases, surpassed 200,000 total patients by 2022, with ongoing rapid growth. Adult ECMO use has particularly surged, with median annual runs per center increasing significantly in recent years. A large percentage of all cases have occurred in the last five years.
This expansion isn’t solely a legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic; growth in ECMO centers and utilization predates it. For instance, the number of ECMO-capable centers has increased substantially over the past decade-plus, with hundreds of programs now operating in the US alone). Broader trends show ECMO shifting from a rare salvage intervention to a standard option for severe cardiopulmonary failure.
Key drivers include the rising incidence of respiratory and cardiac conditions, such as viral/bacterial pneumonia, acute lung injury, pulmonary contusion, myocardial infarction, fulminant myocarditis, refractory cardiac arrest (including E-CPR), cardiogenic shock, severe asthma, and sepsis-related complications. ECMO now supports a wider range of patients, moving beyond “last-resort” scenarios to earlier, more proactive implementation.
Hospitals are increasingly adopting ECMO programs not only for better clinical results—such as higher survival rates in appropriately selected cases—but also for strong financial and operational advantages. ECMO remains among the highest-reimbursing Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) codes, delivering substantial revenue potential. It also enhances continuity of care by enabling hospitals to manage high-acuity patients in-house rather than transferring them, preserving both revenue and expertise.
ECMO Education Providers
The demand for ECMO specialists continues to rise, making robust ECMO education programs in hospitals vital for training and retaining skilled teams. Nurses, respiratory therapists, perfusionists, and other clinicians have access to excellent training from leading providers that align with evidence-based standards.
ELSO
The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) offers Adult ECMO Training Course, a highly regarded self-paced online program. It features 53 modules that address over 80 learning objectives essential for adult ECMO patient care. Developed by an international team of ECMO experts and reviewed by globally recognized leaders in the field, the course delivers current, evidence-based guidance and best practices to build and sharpen clinical skills in ECMO therapy. This foundational resource also serves as strong preparation for the ELSO Adult Individual ECMO Certification Exam (E-AEC).
SpecialtyCare ECMO Training Programs
As the leading national provider of ECMO services, SpecialtyCare offers comprehensive training options—both online and on-site—for ECMO specialists at all levels, from novices to seasoned RNs and respiratory therapists. This program follows ELSO guidelines and include:
ECMO Didactic/Wet Lab Course — A 2.5-day on-site program with lectures, hands-on clinical practice, and wet labs customized to your hospital’s equipment and protocols. It covers ECMO management, troubleshooting, emergencies, and daily care. Successful completers earn a Certificate of Completion and 16 CEUs.
ECMO Simulation Course — A one-day high-fidelity simulation experience featuring nine scenarios to build critical thinking for circuit and patient issues, emergency response, and complex cases. It awards 8 CME/CEUs upon completion.
ECMO Cannulation Course — Focused training on cannulation fundamentals, techniques, and troubleshooting using simulation mannequins and case-based drills. This essential skill for successful outcomes earns participants 5 CEUs.
ECMO 101 for Allied Health Clinicians — An introductory course tailored to allied health professionals, covering ECMO history, best practices, types of support, patient management, hemodynamics, anticoagulation, complication recognition, and more. It provides 4 CEUs.
Launch and Grow a Thriving ECMO Program with SpecialtyCare
ECMO delivers critical, life-saving support for patients facing severe conditions—from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to cardiac arrest and beyond. As ECMO case volumes rise, program success hinges on deep expertise: experience directly drives better outcomes.
SpecialtyCare leads the field, supporting one in five ECMO patients across North America—roughly one in ten worldwide. Our unmatched volume, extensive data, and proven track record give hospitals the edge they need.
We deliver comprehensive support to build or expand your ECMO program, including:
- Expert staffing and integration
- High-quality education, training, and simulation programs aligned with ELSO guidelines
- Guidance on program development, implementation, and management
- Tools to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and strong financial performance
Partner with the nation’s top ECMO provider to create a proven, high-impact, and profitable program that keeps patients safer and closer to home.
Ready to start or scale your ECMO capabilities? Contact us today to explore how SpecialtyCare can help your hospital succeed.
