The Certified Healthcare Process Improvement Specialist (CHPIS) certification is a professional credential designed for individuals committed to enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving patient outcomes through structured process improvement methodologies. In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, operational excellence and continuous quality improvement have become strategic imperatives. The CHPIS program empowers professionals with the knowledge and tools to lead Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement initiatives that drive measurable value across healthcare systems.

Process improvement in healthcare addresses inefficiencies in clinical workflows, administrative processes, supply chain logistics, and patient services. The CHPIS certification integrates globally accepted performance improvement tools with healthcare-specific applications, enabling professionals to identify bottlenecks, eliminate non-value-added activities, and streamline care delivery. Participants will gain practical skills in data analysis, root cause evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and implementation planning—all essential for fostering a culture of continuous improvement within complex healthcare organizations.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Healthcare Process Improvement Specialist (CHPIS) program, participants will be able to:

• Apply Lean and Six Sigma Tools in Healthcare Settings: Use structured problem-solving frameworks to identify inefficiencies and enhance service delivery.
• Map and Redesign Healthcare Processes: Create process maps, perform gap analyses, and implement redesigns to optimize care workflows and reduce variability.
• Use Data to Drive Decisions: Collect and analyze performance data to guide evidence-based decision-making and monitor the impact of improvement efforts.
• Reduce Errors and Waste: Identify sources of clinical and administrative waste, streamline operations, and enhance safety and cost-effectiveness.
• Facilitate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead process improvement teams involving clinicians, administrators, and support staff.
• Promote a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Build organizational commitment to quality and sustainability through training, communication, and engagement.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

• 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in the related professional field.

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CHPIS, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIIHM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Healthcare Process Improvement
• Module 2: Lean Thinking and Value Stream Mapping in Healthcare
• Module 3: Six Sigma and Root Cause Analysis Tools
• Module 4: Data-Driven Decision Making and Performance Metrics
• Module 5: Change Management and Stakeholder Engagement
• Module 6: Sustaining Improvements and Building a Culture of Quality

* The Certification Title and its modules are regularly reviewed, updated and may change in alignment with evolving industry needs and regulatory standards.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The CHPIS certification is ideal for professionals involved in quality improvement, operations, or project management in healthcare settings who seek to lead change and deliver measurable improvements. This certification is especially valuable for:

• Quality and Performance Improvement Specialists: Professionals leading initiatives aimed at reducing errors, enhancing outcomes, and meeting accreditation standards will gain tools to implement structured improvement frameworks.
• Healthcare Operations Managers: Individuals responsible for managing day-to-day operations can apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
• Clinical Process Coordinators and Nurse Leaders: Clinicians in leadership or coordination roles can use process improvement skills to optimize care pathways, reduce patient wait times, and improve clinical flow.
• Healthcare Analysts and Project Managers: Those responsible for performance monitoring and special projects will benefit from hands-on tools to lead data-driven, cross-functional initiatives.
• Hospital Administrators and Department Heads: Leaders seeking to embed a culture of continuous improvement into their departments or facilities will find this program a valuable enabler of strategic change.
• Accreditation and Compliance Officers: Professionals involved in preparing for external reviews or aligning with Joint Commission, ISO, or other standards will benefit from process-oriented thinking.
• Consultants and Healthcare Trainers: Advisors working with hospitals or health systems to enhance performance will strengthen their credibility and service effectiveness through this credential.
• Aspiring Healthcare Leaders: Early-career professionals aiming to take on quality or operations-focused roles will gain essential knowledge to lead improvement from day one.

Whether you’re managing a hospital department, improving patient flow, or advising on system redesign, the CHPIS certification provides the skills, recognition, and confidence to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence in healthcare.