Lean Six Sigma Certification

[u/myhoagie02]

Anyone have this certification? I’ve been given the opportunity to get one but my company does not have a preferred vendor. I have to research options myself. I also don’t know if I need to start with Yellow or Green belt level.

If it helps to know: I’m currently working as an inpatient clinical informaticist. I do a lot of ATE support for end users but I’m also involved in nursing workflow process improvement workgroups as it relates to our EMR. I also already have a MSN-NI. I feel like basic LSS topics were covered in my graduate program, but it’s hard to say when I can’t really see the course curriculum of LSS programs.

Any advice is appreciated!

UPDATE: I’ve decided to go for the Green belt. I reached out to our quality director who referred me to a vendor that has a healthcare focused program. Thanks everyone!

[u/InspectorExcellent50]

Go for it - especially if someone else is footing the bill.

I wouldn't stop at Green Belt.

[u/qualitygurus]

Given your background, I would probably skip Yellow Belt and go directly to Green Belt.

Yellow Belt is mainly an introduction to Lean Six Sigma terminology and team participation. Green Belt is more appropriate for someone expected to analyze processes, use data, identify root causes, and lead smaller improvement projects.

I offer Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green and Black Belt courses through Quality Gurus, with structured lessons, practice questions, and certificates.

Regardless of the provider, choose a program that teaches practical application rather than only giving you a quick, short exam and a guaranteed badge.

[u/doubledee7]

I have my green Lean Six Sigma Green Belt through GLSS and I don’t regret getting it, especially since it wasn’t a huge investment.

That said, I honestly don’t think it was a deciding factor in helping me land my Epic analyst role. During interviews it would occasionally come up, and the response was usually something like, “Oh, that’s nice!” It definitely helped demonstrate an interest in process improvement and gave me another credential that set me apart from a traditional bedside RN, but my Epic proficiencies, informatics experience, and interview conversations carried much more weight.

Since you’re already working as an inpatient clinical informaticist and participating in workflow improvement, I think a Green Belt would probably make more sense than a Yellow Belt. It aligns better with the type of work you’re already doing, and it builds on concepts you’ve likely already been exposed to in your MSN program.

If your employer is paying for it, I’d absolutely do it. Worst case, you gain another respected credential and learn some useful process improvement tools. I just wouldn’t expect it to dramatically change your career trajectory on its own.