ECMO Specialist

The ECMO Specialist performs those functions necessary for the support treatment measurement and/or supplementation of the cardiopulmonary and/or circulatory system of the patient through utilization of the ECMO policies and procedures. The ECMO Specialist performs advanced technical work in the selection preparation operation and maintenance of the ECMO circuitry and ancillary equipment. The ECMO Specialist is responsible for the knowledge operation and maintenance of a wide variety of technical ECMO equipment and for close cooperation with the attending physician in extra-corporeal practices.

These roles involve the management and operation of advanced life-support technologies used in critical care settings. These roles are directly involved in the support of patients with complex and severe cases involving cardiac and respiratory systems where traditional treatments are insufficient.

Every ECMO run represents a critical opportunity to change a patient's outcome. At UVA Health, ECMO Specialists play a vital role in some of the health system's most complex and time-sensitive clinical situations, delivering advanced extracorporeal support across the lifespan while serving as trusted experts within an interdisciplinary care team.

Join a Platinum-Level ELSO Center of Excellence where autonomy, collaboration, and advanced clinical practice come together. This role offers the opportunity to manage the full continuum of ECMO care, participate in rescue and stabilization efforts, and develop highly specialized expertise within a nationally recognized academic health system.

The Role

As an ECMO Specialist, you will support patients throughout the hospital, caring for individuals ranging from neonates and pediatric patients to adults. Working closely with physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, perfusionists, and other clinical experts, you will provide advanced ECMO support while helping guide critical care decision-making.

In this highly autonomous and clinically sophisticated role, you will:

• Initiate, maintain, troubleshoot, and manage ECMO support
• Perform ECMO circuit changes and respond to urgent system concerns
• Serve as an ECMO consultant and resource for bedside clinical teams
• Support patients undergoing congenital and adult cardiac surgery
• Participate in emergency rescue situations, including ECMO stabilization during cardiac arrest events
• Collaborate closely with nurses, respiratory therapists, perfusionists, and physicians across the organization
• Assist with complex therapies including ventilator management, vascular lines, drips, and blood product administration
• Travel throughout the hospital to support ECMO patients wherever they are receiving care
• Participate in ground transport opportunities, with potential exposure to rotor-wing transports
• Help provide ECMO care across a broad range of patient populations and clinical specialties
• Collaborate in the OR to support lung transplant procedures.

The team functions much like the hospital's specialized emergency response resource, often being called upon during some of the most acute and complex patient situations. Success in this role requires strong clinical judgment, adaptability, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health offers an opportunity to practice ECMO at an exceptionally advanced level within a program recognized for excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What sets this opportunity apart:

• ELSO Center of Excellence Platinum-Level designation , reflecting the highest standards in ECMO care
• Full-scope ECMO practice , including initiation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and circuit management
• Exceptional clinical autonomy while remaining fully integrated within interdisciplinary care teams
• Care across the entire lifespan , from neonatal through adult populations
• Extensive cross-training opportunities that allow nurses and respiratory therapists to expand their expertise beyond traditional role boundaries
• Exposure to advanced therapies and complex critical care environments
• Close collaboration with perfusion , creating a uniquely multidisciplinary learning environment
• Emergency response and rescue experience supporting some of the hospital's highest-acuity patients
• Transport opportunities that extend ECMO expertise beyond the bedside
• Self-scheduling participation with schedules generally released well in advance to support work-life planning
• Optional additional earning opportunities through overtime and voluntary on-call coverage needs
• No routine mandatory call requirement
• Long-term professional development , including future certification and credentialing initiatives

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

UVA Health is committed to investing in its people. New ECMO Specialists enter a comprehensive development pathway designed to build expertise within UVA's highly specialized ECMO model. The department values both Registered Nurses and Respiratory Therapists, recognizing that each discipline brings unique strengths that enhance patient care.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life for healthcare professionals and their families. The area combines the amenities of a vibrant university community with easy access to hiking, cycling, wineries, outdoor recreation, and scenic mountain landscapes. Residents enjoy a thriving culinary scene, rich arts and cultural offerings, excellent schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere. For those seeking the balance of a rewarding clinical career and an outstanding lifestyle, Charlottesville continues to be one of Virginia's most desirable places to live and work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Associate's degree in respiratory therapy or nursing required; bachelor's degree preferred, or a graduate of an accredited school of perfusion required.

Experience: no ECMO experience required

Licensure: Perfusion - Certified to practice as a Perfusionist by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion; if new grad certified within four exam offerings. RN - Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Respiratory Therapy - Registered to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires sitting/standing for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping/traveling, climbing (ladder, steps) and reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive). Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull > 100lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, fumes, heat, noise, cold, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

The pay range for this role is $41.37 - $66.19 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Retirement Savings
• Long-term and Short-term Disability
• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and Education Support

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .