The Certified Lean Healthcare Manager (CLHM) certification is a globally recognized credential designed for professionals seeking to implement Lean methodologies within healthcare environments to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve patient outcomes. In a sector where every minute, resource, and decision affects patient care and operational performance, Lean thinking offers a proven framework for sustainable, value-driven transformation. The CLHM program empowers healthcare leaders and managers with the tools to eliminate inefficiencies, streamline processes, and build a culture of continuous improvement across clinical and administrative functions.

Lean in healthcare focuses on delivering maximum value to patients by optimizing workflows, enhancing coordination, and minimizing non-value-added activities. The CLHM certification equips participants with practical knowledge of Lean principles, including value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and visual management—tailored specifically to healthcare settings. Whether applied to inpatient care, outpatient services, lab processes, supply chain, or patient flow, Lean methodologies help reduce delays, improve quality, and foster staff engagement and accountability.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Lean Healthcare Manager (CLHM) program, participants will be able to:

• Apply Lean Principles in Healthcare Settings: Understand and implement Lean frameworks to identify waste and improve process efficiency in clinical and administrative operations.
• Map and Improve Value Streams: Use tools like value stream mapping to analyze current workflows and design future-state processes that align with patient-centered care.
• Enhance Operational Efficiency: Reduce delays, redundancies, and bottlenecks through structured problem-solving and visual management techniques.
• Lead Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Build and guide improvement teams using Kaizen events and A3 thinking to foster collaboration and innovation.
• Create a Culture of Accountability: Promote staff ownership, engagement, and leadership at all levels to sustain Lean practices over time.
• Improve Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction: Deliver higher-quality care through standardized procedures, reduced errors, and more responsive service delivery.

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 CLHM, 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 Lean Principles in Healthcare
• Module 2: Identifying Waste and Value in Healthcare Systems
• Module 3: Value Stream Mapping and Process Analysis
• Module 4: Lean Tools and Techniques (5S, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis)
• Module 5: Leadership, Change Management, and Staff Engagement
• Module 6: Sustaining Lean Culture and Measuring Impact

* 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 CLHM certification is ideal for professionals committed to driving process efficiency, cost reduction, and patient-centered improvements in healthcare organizations. It is especially beneficial for:

• Healthcare Operations and Facility Managers: Professionals responsible for day-to-day hospital or clinic operations will gain tools to optimize performance, reduce delays, and standardize services.
• Quality Improvement and Process Analysts: Individuals involved in performance monitoring, workflow optimization, or continuous improvement will benefit from structured Lean tools and methodologies.
• Nursing and Clinical Leaders: Clinical supervisors and nurse managers will learn to eliminate care delivery inefficiencies and improve patient safety, satisfaction, and staff coordination.
• Department Heads and Service Line Managers: Leaders of emergency departments, labs, radiology units, or surgical suites can apply Lean methods to enhance throughput and service quality.
• Healthcare Consultants and Project Managers: Advisors and implementation leads working with hospitals or networks on transformation initiatives will strengthen their toolkit for Lean-based change.
• Supply Chain and Logistics Managers in Healthcare: Professionals managing materials, procurement, or inventory will benefit from techniques to streamline flow and reduce stockouts or overages.
• Executive Leaders and Strategy Officers: Senior leaders seeking to embed Lean principles across the organization can align improvement efforts with strategic objectives and KPIs.
• Aspiring Healthcare Leaders: Early-career professionals aiming for leadership roles in operations or quality will gain foundational knowledge to contribute meaningfully to Lean projects.

Whether your focus is reducing patient wait times, optimizing workflows, or empowering frontline teams, the CLHM certification positions you to lead transformative change through Lean in healthcare.