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Director-Respiratory Therapy at Mercy Health

Mercy Health Fort Smith, AR

Job Description

Find your calling at Mercy!
Responsible for direction of Respiratory Services, Administers Respiratory Therapy care, and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Performs diagnostic tests of cardiovascular and pulmonary system to aid physicians in diagnosis and treatment of heart and lung disorders. Maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Assists in formulating budget. Serves as clinical educator to Respiratory Therapy Staff. Manages/Organizes blood gas laboratory data and quality control reports. Develops and implements respiratory therapy policy, procedures, protocols. Evolves current respiratory therapy practice to include modern standards of care practices.
Position Details:
Education: Graduate from an approved AMA Respiratory Program.
Licensure: Must hold current State Respiratory Care License in the applicable state of practice.
Experience: Three or more years of previous experience in all aspects of cardiopulmonary services. At least one year previous experience in departmental management.
Other: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of current requirements for JCAHO, State Health Department, Peer Review Organization, and quality assessment programs.

Why Mercy?
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.

Typical senior pay: $162k for Medical and Health Services Managers nationally

National salary averages
Expected senior-level
$162k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$70k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $219k

Top performers earn significantly more—skill and negotiation matter.

Senior roles pay 83% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Strong candidate leverage

High demand and responsive wages. Negotiate confidently on all fronts.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage
Moderate
Mobility
High mobility

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: All experience levels

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Growth + pay upside

Both the field and your earnings can grow significantly.

+23%
10yr growth
A bachelor's degree is typically expected.
62,100 openings projected annually—mostly replacing retirees and turnover.
Typical: Bachelor's degree

Good time to build expertise—demand will chase supply.

Labor data: BLS 2024