Basics of Lean and Six Sigma for the Laboratory (Online CE Course)

(based on 701 customer ratings)

Author: Michael Yu, MBA, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewer: Judi Bennett, BSM, MLS(AMT), MLT(ASCP)

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This course describes the basic principles of Lean and Six Sigma, providing an overview and introduction to these useful quality improvement methods, including various tools and procedures that are part of the Lean and Six Sigma systems.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1.5 hour(s)
Approved through 6/29/2026
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Credit Hours - Supervision/Administration, Quality Control/Quality Assurance, and Safety: 1.5 hour(s)
Approved through 6/29/2026

Objectives

  • Explain the basics principles of Lean and Six Sigma.
  • Discuss the most commonly used Lean and Six Sigma tools.
  • Identify and select opportunities for process and quality improvement using methods described in this course.
  • Apply Six Sigma and Lean concepts to a project to improve outcomes.

Customer Ratings

(based on 701 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Lean and Six Sigma Overview
      • What are Lean and Six Sigma?
      • History of Lean and Six Sigma
      • Lean and Six Sigma Timeline
      • What is the focus of both Lean and Six Sigma?
      • Lean and Six Sigma are related processes. Which of the following terms would best describe the relationship of these two processes?
  • Lean
  • Six Sigma
    • Introduction to Six Sigma
      • Six Sigma: Measuring Quality
      • Process Sigma and Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO)
      • DPMO and Process Sigma (Sigma Level): Scenario
      • Six Sigma Level of Quality in Health Care
      • Stages of Project Team Development
      • Six Sigma Team
      • Which of these individuals is most likely to work on Six Sigma projects on a full-time basis?
      • Which of the following represents the definition of Sigma?
      • Which of the following stages of team development represents the stage where cliques may form?
    • DMAIC
  • Conclusion
      • Conclusion
  • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Intermediate
Intended audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical technicians, and pathologists. This course is also appropriate for medical laboratory science students and pathology residents.
Author information: Michael Yu, MBA, MLS(ASCP) is the area lab manager at Kaiser Permanente, Panorama City Hospital, California. He holds a BS degree in clinical lab science from George Washington University and an MBA in healthcare administration from Loma Linda University.  He completed his MLT training at the Naval School of Health Sciences in San Diego. Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente, he was the phlebotomy and chemistry supervisor at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. At that time, he was also a lecturer at the UCLA School of Medicine, Center for Prehospital Care.  Michael completed his Six Sigma Greenbelt training from UCSD and is certified by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a Six Sigma Greenbelt (SSGB).
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.  
Reviewer informationJudi Bennett, BSM, MLS(AMT), MLT(ASCP), is an Education Developer with MediaLab by Vastian, bringing over 30 years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist. Before joining MediaLab in 2010, she held key leadership roles, including Clinical Laboratory Manager, Microbiology Supervisor, and Senior Systems Analyst at Gwinnett Health System in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Her extensive knowledge of laboratory operations, combined with a strong commitment to healthcare quality and education, fuels her passion for developing engaging and effective learning tools for the next generation of laboratorians.
Course description: This course describes the basic principles of Lean and Six Sigma, providing an overview and introduction to these useful quality improvement methods, including various tools and procedures that are part of the Lean and Six Sigma systems.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 315 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
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Figure 5. Pareto chart


FMEA example


Employee engage highlight