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Ecmo Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Resp Therapist

Libertyville, IL · On-site

ECMO experience * Critical care experience * Ventilator-associated care/prevention * Spontaneous Breathing Trials (SBTs) * Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) draws Facility Details * Level I Trauma Center

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$13

$36

$57

How much do ecmo jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for ecmo in Chicago, IL is $36.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.78 and $45.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an ECMO specialist do?

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) specialists are highly trained healthcare professionals who operate and manage ECMO machines, which provide cardiac and respiratory support to patients whose heart and lungs are severely compromised. They work closely with doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists to monitor the patient's status and adjust the ECMO settings as needed. ECMO specialists are responsible for ensuring the safe operation of the machine, troubleshooting any problems, and responding quickly to emergencies. Their role is critical in intensive care units, especially for patients with severe heart or lung failure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ECMO specialist?

To thrive as an ECMO Specialist, you need advanced knowledge of cardiopulmonary physiology, critical care practices, and typically hold credentials such as RN, RT, or perfusionist certification with specialized ECMO training. Familiarity with ECMO circuit components, monitoring systems, and troubleshooting protocols is essential. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are vital for effective coordination with multidisciplinary teams and managing high-stress situations. These competencies ensure optimal patient outcomes and the safe, efficient operation of ECMO therapy in critical care settings.

What are some common challenges faced by ECMO specialists, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

ECMO specialists often encounter high-pressure situations, such as rapidly changing patient conditions and the need for urgent troubleshooting of complex equipment. Adapting to a multidisciplinary ICU environment requires strong communication and teamwork skills, as you'll frequently collaborate with physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists. New hires can best prepare by gaining hands-on experience with ECMO circuits, staying current on protocols, and seeking mentorship from experienced team members to build confidence in both technical and decision-making aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Ecmo vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectEcmoRespiratory Therapist
Required CredentialsSpecialized training, certification in ECMO management, often a critical care backgroundAssociate or Bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy, licensure, and certification (CRT or RRT)
Work EnvironmentIntensive care units, operating rooms, specialized ECMO centersHospitals, clinics, emergency settings, respiratory care departments
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals with advanced critical care units, specialized ECMO programsGeneral hospitals, outpatient clinics, emergency services

While both roles involve respiratory support, Ecmo specialists focus on managing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems in critical care settings, requiring advanced certifications. Respiratory Therapists provide broader respiratory care across various healthcare environments, often with different certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Are ECMO specialists in demand?

ECMO specialists are in high demand due to the specialized nature of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy used in critical care. They typically require advanced training, certification, and experience, and employment opportunities are often available in hospitals and intensive care units with growing patient needs. The role is expected to remain essential as technology and critical care practices evolve.

How can I become an ECMO specialist?

To become an ECMO specialist, individuals typically need a background in critical care nursing, respiratory therapy, or perfusion technology, along with specialized training in ECMO management. Certification through organizations like the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) is often required or preferred, and hands-on experience with ECMO equipment and patient care is essential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ecmo jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Ecmo jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Ecmo jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Ecmo jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ecmo jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Ecmo jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Ecmo jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ecmo job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 7% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,858 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

ECMO Specialist - RN - Cardiac ECMO Full-time Rotating

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

Chicago, IL • On-site

$43/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 893 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The ECMO Specialist - RN reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
  • An experienced Registered Nurse, who in addition to providing direct patient care, is accountable for facilitating an interdisciplinary approach to patient care, patient flow, staffing, resource utilization, and problem solving on a given shift.

Responsibilities:
  • Monitors, operates, and adjusts ECMO circuits and the components to maintain patient specific parameters
  • Continually assess and evaluate ECMO circuit and troubleshoot any difficulties
  • Assist team members with cannulation and responds to eCPR, SHOCK, and lung rescue calls
  • Able to set up and prime ECMO circuits independently
  • Completed shift audit of not in use circuits and equipment to ensure seamless deployment
  • Competent in troubleshooting skills within circuit
  • Independent intra/inter hospital transport as part of interdisciplinary
  • Confidently differentiate physiology for VV and VA ECMO indications
  • Partner with ECMO Coordinators and Physician Leadership to advance the ECMO program within and across NM system
  • Assist in staff training and competencies and quality and outcome review to ensure alignment with the ELSO guidelines
  • Adheres to established system policies and procedures related to ECMO management
  • Acts as a resource to the interdisciplinary team for safe management of ECMO circuit
  • Establish connection for CRRT to the ECMO Circuit
  • Maintain scheduled pre and post oxygenator gases and necessary laboratory monitoring
  • Complete required shift documentation regarding patients progress
  • Completes necessary billing documents and data capture for database management and improvement of quality outcome measurement
  • Maintains and completes necessary bi-annual competencies and trainings per ELSO guidelines

Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in nursing
  • Graduate from an accredited school of nursing required
  • Registered Professional Nurse licensure in the State of Illinois required
  • BLS - American Heart Association
  • ACLS - American Heart Association

Preferred:
  • 2 years of CTICU experience
  • CCRN for nursing

Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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