Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in Healthcare Certification

Lean Foundations

Section 1: Lean Philosophy and Principles

• Understand the purpose of Lean and how it complements Six Sigma.
• Learn the origin and evolution of Lean thinking from the Toyota Production System.
• Identify the five key principles of Lean:
• Define value from the customer's perspective.
• Map the value stream to identify all steps in the process.
• Create continuous and efficient flow.
• Establish pull systems that produce only what's needed.
• Pursue perfection through continuous improvement.
• Recognize how Lean impacts efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Understand the synergy between Lean (efficiency) and Six Sigma (effectiveness).

Section 2: Waste and Core Lean Tools

• Identify the eight types of waste (defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and extra processing).
• Distinguish between value-added, business-value-added, and non-value-added activities.
• Learn how to use Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to visualize processes and identify waste.
• Apply the 5S methodology for workplace organization: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.
• Understand Kaizen as a small, continuous improvement approach.
• Use visual management tools to communicate status, progress, and performance.
• Explore how these foundational tools support future Lean project success.

Advanced Lean Systems and Integration

Section 1: Advanced Lean Methods

• Understand the concept of flow and how to eliminate bottlenecks.
• Learn to design and manage pull systems that optimize supply and demand.
• Apply Kanban systems to visually control workflow and prevent overproduction.
• Calculate and interpret takt time to align production with customer demand.
• Use Just-in-Time (JIT) principles to minimize waste and improve responsiveness.
• Apply Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to improve equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Implement SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Dies) to reduce setup times and increase flexibility.
• Evaluate Lean improvements using performance measures such as cycle time, lead time, and process yield.

Section 2: Integrating Lean and Six Sigma

• Understand how Lean and Six Sigma complement one another within the DMAIC framework.
• Learn where key Lean tools fit into each phase of DMAIC:
• Value Stream Mapping in Define/Measure.
• Waste analysis in Analyze.
• Flow and pull systems in Improve.
• Standard work and visual controls in Control.
• Identify essential Lean metrics for monitoring improvement (lead time, takt time, first-pass yield, overall equipment effectiveness).
• Explore strategies to sustain Lean improvements through standard work and leadership habits.
• Develop the skills to build a Lean culture focused on respect for people and continuous improvement.

• Learn to lead and coach teams in applying Lean tools to real-world Six Sigma projects.

Understanding how care is delivered across systems-hospitals, clinics, payers, and allied services. The focus is on how these parts integrate, where inefficiencies occur, and how value flows to the patient.

The Black Belt Perspective on Improvement in Healthcare
Black Belts in healthcare don't manage clinical care; they optimize systems that support it. Participants will learn to apply DMAIC and Lean tools to reduce process variation, errors, and delays that directly impact patient outcomes and costs.

Core Metrics: Cost, Quality, Access, and Safety
Examining how healthcare organizations are measured and reimbursed through value-based care, patient satisfaction, quality indicators, and operational efficiency. Learners learn to quantify and balance these metrics to guide sustainable improvement.

Data Integrity and Compliance
A concise primer on managing healthcare data responsibly, emphasizing accuracy, HIPAA compliance, and the critical role of trustworthy analytics in improvement initiatives.