2025 Applications are Now Closed

Apply for Cohort 2026 below

Specialist Course in Improvement Science

This course has two tracks: 1) Specialist Track and 2) Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Track.


If you would like to be considered for the 2026 Cohort, please submit your information below.

Course Summary

The Stanford Medicine Specialist Course in Improvement Science is a fully virtual, healthcare-focused, professional training to bring improvement practitioners to the industry standard in improvement science. The course has two tracks that require the following:


Specialist Track

  1. 4 months of training (mix of flipped classroom & virtual learning)
  2. Completion of a healthcare specific case study


Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Track

  1. Complete the Specialist Track
  2. Pass a written certification exam
  3. Complete a healthcare improvement project
  4. Successfully deliver an oral project and skills defense

Body of Knowledge

This course includes the following topics, taught using a healthcare lens:


  1. Intro to Improvement Science in Healthcare
  2. DMAIC, DMADV, Lean, Model for Improvement
  3. Design-Thinking
  4. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Improvement
  5. Basic and Advanced Statistics (Hypothesis Testing, SPC Charts)
  6. Root Cause Analysis
  7. Operational Excellence in the Healthcare Setting
  8. Data Visualization
  9. Presenting and Publishing QI work
  10. Coaching QI Projects
  11. Leading & Managing Change
  12. Quality and Human Factors
  13. Sustainment and Reliability

Course Prerequisites

1) Completion of Green Belt training or equivalent (i.e. RITE, CELT). Please explain in the form below.

2) Ability to complete a project between Feb-Dec 2026

Course Participant Requirements

1) $2,000 tuition for those internal to Stanford, $4,500 for external

2) Class attendance on Fridays from 8-10am PT from 2/14 to 5/23

3) Commit to ~4 hours required homework each week

Attestation to Course Requirements*

Have you met the course prerequisites and can commit to the course requirements?

Please explain any prior improvement training completed.

Please detail the project you plan to use for your certification including the projected start and end date:

Please enter any additional information you would like us to know as we consider your application.

Attestation to Tuition Payment*

I understand that a condition to participating in the course is paying tuition in full by 1/24/2026.

IMPORTANT NOTE!

Filling out this form does not guarantee enrollment. You will receive a confirmation email by 1/3/2026 regarding the status of your application.

By providing examples of projects you have led or participated in, you will give us an idea of your readiness for this course. This can take the form of an A3, Powerpoint, Poster, Abstract or other methods. (Optional)

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