JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Naval Medical Forces Development Command (NMFDC) launched a new, fully online and asynchronous Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Black Belt certification course, now open for enrollment to all Department of the Navy (DoN) personnel.

The initiative is designed to equip Sailors, Marines, and civilians with advanced process-improvement skills, increase efficiency across the enterprise, and provide valuable professional certification at no cost.

This new format marks a significant step forward in professional development accessibility for the fleet. Previously, personnel were required to attend the course in person, necessitating travel and time away from their home stations. The asynchronous online delivery eliminates this logistical barrier, allowing personnel to complete coursework at their own pace and on their own schedules, a significant advantage for those with demanding operational commitments.

John Jessen, NMFDC's Improvement Science director, highlighted the strategic importance of the new course.

“Over the past few years Improvement Science has sought opportunities to expand our course offerings and with new Microsoft programs, we were able to design an asynchronous course that provides a greater flexibility and accessibility for Navy Sailors,” said Jessen. “With updated policy on TAD [temporary additional duty] travel, the BUMED [Bureau of Medicine and Surgery] improvement science director authorized NMFDC to launch the new asynchronous course for our Black Belt class. This format accommodates mission demands that previously would limit individuals’ ability to attend this course, particularly those with busy or unconventional schedules, and to enhance their learning experience.”

In the civilian sector, LSS Black Belt certifications are highly sought after and can cost several thousand dollars to obtain. By offering this training at no cost, NMFDC is making a significant investment in its people, providing them with career-enhancing credentials that directly contribute to a more efficient and capable naval force.

“This course eliminates the fiscal constraints that have previously impacted the commands’ ability to source TAD funding for students to attend courses,” said Michael Teegardin, NMFDC’s LSS master black belt. “Additionally, our certification pathways enable Sailors and federal civilians an opportunity to grow professionally without financial burden to obtain private sector certifications.”

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that combines the principles of Lean, which focuses on eliminating waste and improving process speed, with the statistical, data-driven approach of Six Sigma, which aims to reduce defects and errors. It has been widely adopted by the Department of War as a key tool for enhancing operational effectiveness, streamlining complex processes, and ensuring good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Both Jessen and Teegardin said the impact of Lean Six Sigma certification is felt at both the individual and organizational levels.

“At the individual level, it provides enhanced problem-solving skills, replacing anecdotal evidence and opinion-based mindsets with data-driven mindsets, increasing engagement and empowerment, and the development of leadership and communication skills,” said Teegardin. “At the organizational level, it aims to improve quality through fewer errors, increased efficiency and speed, enhanced customer satisfaction, and development of a continuous improvement culture.”

James Ohman, NMFDC’s deputy chief of staff for operations emphasized that this initiative is about strengthening the force at the deckplates in alignment with the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) order to stand up Force Improvement Offices (FIO) at Type Commands and Systems Commands by the end of January 2026.

"The CNO sees Lean Six Sigma intrinsically aligned with the FIO mission ‘to enable warfighting advantage by institutionalizing a culture of continuous improvement and risk-informed decision-making across the Fleet,’” said Ohman. “In today’s complex environment, this initiative is a force multiplier to that end. It equips our Sailors and Marines with the critical thinking tools to optimize their own workflows, which directly translates to increased readiness and lethality. By removing the barriers of cost and travel, we are accelerating our ability to build a more efficient and effective medical force, ready to support the warfighter anytime, anywhere."

The course is open to all active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel within the Department of the Navy. Interested personnel should visit the Catalog of Navy Training Courses website for future enrollment information.

Naval Medical Forces Development Command is the headquarters element designated within the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery as a direct subordinate to the Surgeon General of the Navy, charged with leading and managing all medical training, education, professional development, and instruction to produce highly trained and ready medical personnel.