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Before You Apply

Please read carefully before submitting your application to ensure your center meets the requirements for endorsement by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.

A non-refundable application fee is required at the time of submission. Submission of an application does not guarantee endorsement.

To support a successful review, applicants are strongly encouraged to:

Review all endorsement requirements in advance
Understand course structure expectations (Step 1 and/or Step 2)
Ensure alignment with ELSO curriculum and simulation standards
Allow adequate time for review and site survey coordination (4–6 months recommended)

What Is ELSO Endorsement

ELSO Endorsement is a formal review process that evaluates an ECMO educational activity to ensure it:

Meets ELSO standardized curriculum requirements (Adult and Neo/Peds)
Adheres to established simulation and educational standards
Delivers consistent, high-quality, competency-based training

Endorsement signals that a course provides a comparable educational experience globally, regardless of location.

Endorsement Levels

ELSO endorsement is structured around two core components, which may be offered independently or together:

Comprehensive Course (Step 1 + Step 2)

A comprehensive course includes both:

Step 1: Didactic Training

Foundational ECMO knowledge aligned with ELSO curriculum
Covers both VV and VA ECMO
Minimum of 12 hours of instruction

Step 2: Simulation Training

Immersive, high-fidelity simulation experience
Includes structured debriefing (required)
Minimum 9 hours of simulation-based training

Required Simulation Scenarios

Drainage insufficiency
Air embolism
Pump failure
Membrane lung failure
Gas failure
Cannula dislodgement and circuit change for neonatal/pediatric courses

Typical Duration

3–5 days

Step 1-Only Course (Didactic)

Focused on cognitive knowledge and foundational concepts
Must align with ELSO standardized curriculum and cover all learning objectives

Step 2-Only Course (Simulation)

Simulation-focused training with immersive scenarios and structured debriefing
Must include all required ECMO emergency scenarios
Learners must have completed prior didactic ECMO training (Step 1)

Typical Duration

1.5–2 days

Eligible Organizations

Any active ELSO member center may apply
Priority is given to:
- Courses open to external participants
- Programs with recurring course offerings

Benefits of Endorsement

For Course Providers

Validates curriculum as complete, current, and evidence-based
Identifies opportunities to improve educational quality and design
Provides standardized evaluation data for benchmarking
Enhances credibility, visibility, and enrollment

For Learners

Training is recognized and standardized globally
Supports progression toward:
- ELSO Adult ECMO Certification (E-AEC)
- Neonatal/Pediatric ECMO Certification (E-NPEC)

For the ECMO Community

Promotes consistency across centers
Expands access to high-quality training worldwide

Course Curriculum Requirements

Comprehensive Courses

Must include:

Full ELSO standardized curriculum
Both didactic and simulation components
All required simulation scenarios

Step 1 Courses

Must meet ELSO curricular standards
May focus on specific ECMO modes or populations

Step 2 Courses

Must include:

High-fidelity simulation
Structured debriefing
All required emergency scenarios

Course Director Requirements

Course directors must:

Be an active ELSO member (individual or center)
Have at least 5 years of ECMO clinical experience
Demonstrate experience in education and/or simulation

Preferred:

Prior participation in an ELSO-hosted or endorsed course
Familiarity with ELSO standards and curriculum

Exceptions may be granted with Endorsement Committee approval.

Simulation Faculty Requirements

For Step 2 or Comprehensive courses, faculty should:

Complete a formal simulation instructor program
- Including structured debriefing training
Have prior exposure to ELSO-endorsed or hosted courses (preferred)
Maintain active status by:
- Teaching at least one ECMO course annually