DHA Lean Leader - 2026

This training course provides an in-depth study of the 8-step Practical Problem Solving (PPS) method and the A3. Students will learn and be able to demonstrate how to apply Lean to a practical exercise through the 8 steps. Skills learned during this course are critical to building a culture of Continuous Process Improvement (CPI).

To register for a live training visit JKO: https://jkosgst.jten.mil/portal/site/984f6692-de36-4654-b4d5Oab788c1fa69 

Please use the DHA Training group email for additional questions: [email protected] 

Target Audience

This activity provides continuing education for physicians, nurses, physician associates/physician assistants, social workers, psychologists, dentists, dental hygienists, dental technicians, certified counselors, and healthcare executives across the Military Health System (MHS). A certificate of attendance is available for other attendees.

Learning Objectives

  1. Summarize the six principles of Lean, the origins of A3, and the concepts of 8-Step Practical Problem Solving (PPS) and their application to service industries.
  2. Demonstrate basic concepts of Lean during a practical exercise.
  3. Examine roles and responsibilities in planning a Lean project and the basics of change management.
  4. Illustrate the steps for gathering Voice of the Customer (VOC) and Voice of the Business (VOB) and explain their importance.
  5. Differentiate approaches to process mapping, facilitation basics, and the development of process mapping skills to reduce waste.
  6. Contrast traditional processes with Lean process methodologies.
  7. Interpret the relationship between Process Cycle Time (PCT), Process Lead Time (PLT), Work in Process (WIP), and Exit Rate/Throughput.
  8. Select appropriate measures and justify why they are important.
  9. Construct plans to collect, test, refine data collection procedures, and implement data collection plans.
  10. Utilize basic measurement techniques, including measures of central tendency and variation, to evaluate process data.
  11. Distinguish between efficiency and effectiveness and calculate Sigma Quality Level (SQL).
  12. Outline the importance and tools used in everyday improvement, including Quick Wins and the 5Ss.
  13. Practice everyday improvement tools and techniques during a practical exercise (PE).
  14. Formulate and prioritize ideas to identify root causes and develop countermeasures and potential solutions to improve processes.
  15. Evaluate approaches for process streamlining, identify time traps and constraints using Takt rate analysis, and explain concepts of process balancing.
  16. Develop and implement a process supported by a Process Balancing Model to improve Non-Value Add-Required (NVA) and Customer Value Add (CVA) times.
  17. Explain “Just-in-Time” principles of generic pull systems, benefits of Work in Process (WIP), how WIP is calculated, and the purpose of Safety Stock and related estimation information.
  18. Assess the costs of poor quality, the value of, and the various tools used in Mistake Proofing to improve quality, speed, and cost.
  19. Organize action planning and communication planning and apply Pilot Planning to a Lean project.
  20. Define Standardization and Standard Work, including how to create Standardization and develop Standard Work.
  21. Implement concepts of Control Plans in process improvement projects using different types of visual control tools.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 29.25 AAPA

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 29.25 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until Thursday, December 31, 2026 - 11:59pm ET. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 29.25 ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers will be provided a certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers may receive a maximum of 29.25 hours for completing this activity.

  • 29.25 ACHE

    By attending this program offered by DHA J-7 CEPO, participants may earn up to 29.25 American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Qualified Education hours toward initial certification or recertification of the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation. Participants in this program who wish to have the continuing education hours applied toward ACHE Qualified Education credit must self-report their participation. To self-report, participants must log into their MyACHE account and select ACHE Qualified Education Credit.

  • 29.25 ADA CERP

    DHA J-7 CEPO is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education (CDE). ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP. 

    DHA J-7 CEPO designates this activity for 29.25 continuing education credits.

  • 29.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

    DHA J-7 CEPO designated this Course for a maximum of 29.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 29.25 ANCC

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 29.25 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 29.25 APA

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. Participants may earn 29.25 CE credits for completing this activity.

  • 29.25 ASWB

    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, DHA J7 CEPO is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 29.25 continuing education credits.

  • 29.25 Attendance
  • 29.25 IPCE

    In support of improving patient care, DHA J-7 CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 29.25 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

  • 29.25 NBCC Credit Hours

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6955. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. DHA J-7 CEPO is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

    ACEP Contact Information
    Defense Health Agency, J-7, Continuing Education Program Office
    7700 Arlington Blvd
    Room 3M107
    Falls Church, VA 22042
    Phone: (240) 398-4809
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.dhaj7-cepo.com

Course opens: 
05/29/2026
Course expires: 
12/31/2026

DHA Lean Leader Training Faculty. Presenters have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.

Disclosure: DHA J-7 staff, planners, authors, faculty, and content reviewers for this educational activity have no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) relating to the course content or with ineligible companies to disclose.

Available Credit

  • 29.25 AAPA

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 29.25 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until Thursday, December 31, 2026 - 11:59pm ET. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 29.25 ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers will be provided a certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers may receive a maximum of 29.25 hours for completing this activity.

  • 29.25 ACHE

    By attending this program offered by DHA J-7 CEPO, participants may earn up to 29.25 American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Qualified Education hours toward initial certification or recertification of the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation. Participants in this program who wish to have the continuing education hours applied toward ACHE Qualified Education credit must self-report their participation. To self-report, participants must log into their MyACHE account and select ACHE Qualified Education Credit.

  • 29.25 ADA CERP

    DHA J-7 CEPO is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education (CDE). ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP. 

    DHA J-7 CEPO designates this activity for 29.25 continuing education credits.

  • 29.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

    DHA J-7 CEPO designated this Course for a maximum of 29.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 29.25 ANCC

    DHA J-7 CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 29.25 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 29.25 APA

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs. Participants may earn 29.25 CE credits for completing this activity.

  • 29.25 ASWB

    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, DHA J7 CEPO is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 29.25 continuing education credits.

  • 29.25 Attendance
  • 29.25 IPCE

    In support of improving patient care, DHA J-7 CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 29.25 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

  • 29.25 NBCC Credit Hours

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6955. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. DHA J-7 CEPO is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

    ACEP Contact Information
    Defense Health Agency, J-7, Continuing Education Program Office
    7700 Arlington Blvd
    Room 3M107
    Falls Church, VA 22042
    Phone: (240) 398-4809
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.dhaj7-cepo.com

Please login or create an account to take this course.

Requirements:  CE/CME certificates are awarded to MHS participants who fully complete the activity, successfully submit the evaluation survey, and pass the posttest with a minimum score of 80% unless noted otherwise. The deadline to claim credit is Dec 31, 2026.

Access Code/Accommodations: Some activities require an access code to register or claim CE/CME credit. For inquiries regarding the access code or accommodations, please email [Event POC Name] at [Event POC Email]. 

For technical support, email [email protected].

Required Hardware/software