How to Improve Lab Operations
$449
Leads to certification
Lab Management

How to Improve Lab Operations

Much of lab management is ensuring that the lab delivers the technical work properly. Unlock the secrets to efficient lab management with the How to Improve Lab Operations stream at Lab Manager Academy. This comprehensive program consists of five courses designed to empower lab managers in ensuring quality, safety, effective asset management, advocacy, and improved productivity within their labs.

What is this stream credential about?

  • Lab Quality: This course will teach lab managers the fundamentals of a lab quality program to ensure accurate output. All labs want to deliver high-quality science that meets the requirements of their key stakeholders. Building the appropriate quality management system (QMS) helps the lab meet these goals.
  • Lab Safety: This course will ensure the lab manager has the knowledge to create and sustain an effective safety program to keep staff healthy and whole. Lab safety is a critical responsibility for all lab managers. Being comfortable with the requirements and elements of lab safety is necessary to generate an effective lab safety program. 
  • Asset Management: All labs need the equipment and instruments required to execute the science. This course will help lab managers develop effective processes to obtain equipment, keep it running, and decide when to retire it.
  • Effectively Advocating For The Lab: This course will help lab managers differentiate between needs and wants and improve their process to win support for investment in the lab. Effectively advocating for the lab is a critical role for the lab manager. Lab managers must effectively prioritize various needs, plan a strategy to communicate about, advocate for, and win some of what the lab needs to be successful while also influencing people in the chain of command around approval decisions.
  • Metrics and Productivity: This course will help lab managers use the data within their lab to ensure the operational objectives are met and to recognize how to improve lab productivity when needed.

Who is this stream credential for?

Lab managers seeking to enhance their skills in ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency within their laboratories. Whether you are a seasoned lab manager or aspiring to take on such a role, this stream is tailored to equip you with the essential knowledge for effective lab management.

What are the benefits of this stream credential?

By completing the How to Improve Lab Operations stream, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of lab quality, safety, asset management, advocacy, and productivity. This knowledge will equip lab managers with the skills needed to enhance lab operations, drive efficiency, and ensure the success of their teams.

What do I get out of completing this stream credential?

Upon successful completion of the stream, participants not only acquire valuable insights into lab management but also earn a credential from Lab Manager Academy. This credential signifies a commitment to excellence and proficiency in the key aspects of lab management, making participants stand out in their field. As an IACET Accredited Provider, Lab Manager Academy offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

How long do the courses take to complete?

Each course in the stream is thoughtfully crafted to be completed in approximately 60 minutes, making it convenient for busy professionals to enhance their skills without disrupting their schedules. The entire stream, comprising all five courses, can be completed in just five hours.

What is the format of the courses?

Lab Manager Academy understands the importance of flexibility in learning. All courses are conducted entirely online, allowing you to complete them at your convenience from anywhere in the world. The program's user-friendly interface ensures a seamless and engaging learning experience.

Who is the Instructor?

Meet Scott Hanton, PhD, the instructor for this program. Scott is the editorial director at Lab Manager and the leader of the Lab Manager Academy. He spent 30 years working in industrial chemistry labs, with 20 years as a lab manager. He had roles of general manager, laboratory operations manager, and chief scientist for Intertek Allentown. Previously, he held the positions of research scientist, laboratory supervisor, and section manager at Air Products & Chemicals. Through these different roles, Scott developed expertise in polymer mass spectrometry, analytical characterization, people leadership, and business management. He earned a BS in Chemistry from Michigan State University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Scott is an active member of ACS, ASMS, and ALMA.

What is Lab Manager Academy?

Lab Manager Academy provides a wide array of courses for lab managers and safety managers, offering essential knowledge and training on a variety of topics. In our online curriculum, you can choose individual courses, opt for stream-level credentials, or pursue a full certificate program to enhance your leadership and safety management skills. Whether you're already a lab manager, safety officer, or technician—or you're aspiring to be one—our certificate programs will empower you to manage safer, more secure, and highly productive laboratory environments. As an IACET Accredited Provider, Lab Manager Academy ensures that its learning events comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard, guaranteeing a standard of excellence.


Embark on a journey to elevate your lab management skills with Lab Manager Academy. Enroll now to drive excellence in your lab operations!

Curriculum content

  • Instructor: Scott Hanton Are you ready to take your lab management skills to the next level? In today's competitive landscape, effective advocacy for your lab is not just an option—it's a necessity. Join us in our dynamic online course, Effectively Advocating for the Lab , led by industry expert Scott Hanton. What is this course about? In this comprehensive course, you'll delve into the crucial role of advocating for your lab's needs. As a lab manager, you'll learn the art of prioritization, strategic communication, and influencing key decision-makers. From planning effective strategies to navigating the approval process, this course equips you with the essential skills to drive success for your lab. What are the benefits of this course? Build Strategic Plans: Learn how to prioritize lab needs, strategize communication, and craft winning advocacy plans that resonate with decision-makers. Navigate the Approval Process: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the approval process and uncover effective strategies to navigate it like a pro, ensuring your proposals gain the traction they deserve. Master Business Case Writing: Hone your skills in crafting compelling, two-part business cases that articulate the value proposition of your lab initiatives with precision and persuasion. Build Trust and Influence: Discover invaluable techniques to cultivate trust and credibility, essential for gaining the buy-in and support of key stakeholders. What are the learning outcomes of this course? Build strategic plans for approval and evaluate alternative approaches. Gain a deep understanding of the approval process and its intricacies. Navigate the approval process with finesse and influence decision-makers effectively. Master the art of crafting a compelling two-part business case. Learn diverse strategies to build trust, a cornerstone of gaining approval. With years of industry experience, Scott Hanton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide you through this transformative learning journey. His insights will empower you to become a persuasive advocate for your lab, driving impactful change and achieving remarkable results. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your lab management skills and become a force for positive transformation. Enroll now and unleash your potential to effectively advocate for the lab!
    • Lesson Effectively Advocating for the Lab

  • Instructor: Scott Hanton Are you ready to elevate your lab management skills to the next level? Enroll now in our comprehensive online course on Lab Safety, designed to empower lab managers like you with the knowledge and expertise needed to ensure a secure and compliant work environment. What’s this course about? Led by renowned instructor Scott Hanton, this course delves into the critical responsibility of lab safety, emphasizing the pivotal role lab managers play in fostering a culture of safety. From identifying fundamental safety elements to understanding various hazards present in the lab, you'll gain invaluable insights to create and maintain an effective lab safety program. What are the benefits of this course? Identify Fundamental Elements: Gain a deep understanding of the foundational aspects of lab safety, essential for crafting robust safety protocols. Recognize Hazards: Learn to identify and mitigate different hazards lurking within the lab environment, ensuring the safety of your team and workspace. Explore Training Opportunities: Discover various lab safety training options available for staff, equipping you to cultivate a knowledgeable and safety-conscious team. Cultivate a Safe Lab Culture: Understand the elements crucial for fostering a culture of safety, empowering you to lead by example and inspire your team. Develop a Comprehensive Safety Program: Learn to outline and implement a comprehensive lab safety program tailored to your specific lab requirements. Prioritize Emotional and Psychological Safety: Understand the significance of integrating emotional and psychological safety into your lab safety framework, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. What are the learning outcomes of this course? Identify the fundamental elements of lab safety, Recognize different hazards that are present in the lab, List different lab safety training opportunities for staff, State different elements of a safe lab culture, Identify the elements of a lab safety program, Describe the benefits of including emotional and psychological safety in the lab safety system. Don't leave lab safety to chance—empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to create a safer, more secure environment for you and your team. Join Scott Hanton's Lab Safety course today and embark on a transformative journey towards safety mastery. Secure your spot now and pave the way for a safer tomorrow!
  • Instructor: Scott Hanton Are you ready to elevate your lab's performance to new heights of excellence? Welcome to Lab Quality , where you'll embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of establishing and maintaining a world-class Quality Management System (QMS) tailored specifically for laboratories. Led by industry expert Scott Hanton, this course is designed to empower you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to optimize your lab's operations and exceed stakeholder expectations. What is this course about? In today's competitive landscape, delivering top-notch science isn't just a goal; it's a necessity. This comprehensive course delves deep into the core principles of lab quality, equipping you with the tools to build and sustain a robust QMS. From enhancing document control to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, you'll explore every facet of quality management essential for achieving unparalleled success in your lab. What are the benefits of this course? Value of Lab Quality: Gain insights into the significance of implementing a lab quality program and its impact on meeting stakeholder requirements. Elements of Lab Quality Program: Identify and understand the essential components that constitute an effective lab quality program. Differentiation of Lab Quality Standards: Explore various lab quality standards and discern the unique benefits they offer, enabling you to select the most suitable standard for your lab. Benefits of Accredited QMS: Discover the advantages of having an accredited Quality Management System and how it elevates your lab's credibility and performance. Preparation for Accreditation: Learn practical strategies and best practices to prepare your lab for accreditation, ensuring a smooth and successful process. What are the learning objectives of this course? Understand the value of a lab quality program Identify the elements of a lab quality program Differentiate the benefits of some different lab quality standards Recognize the benefits of having an accredited QMS Describe how to prepare to be accredited Join us in Lab Quality and embark on a transformative journey that will revolutionize the way you perceive and practice quality management in your lab. Enroll now and take the first step towards unlocking the full potential of your laboratory operations!
  • Instructor : Scott Hanton Unlock the secrets to maximizing your lab's potential with our comprehensive Asset Management course! Led by industry expert Scott Hanton, this course is designed to empower lab managers and professionals with the knowledge and skills to strategically invest, utilize, and safeguard assets for optimal performance. What is this course about? In the dynamic realm of laboratories, assets are the key ingredients for creating value. Your most crucial asset? The talented individuals driving your lab forward. Navigating through the myriad of assets, lab managers must make strategic decisions to balance investments, align with budgets, and deliver exceptional technical value. This course dives into the intricacies of asset management, offering insights into various alternatives for obtaining, maintaining, and optimizing lab assets. What are the benefits of this course? Explore Lab Assets: Gain a deep understanding of the diverse range of assets within a lab setting, with real-world examples. Capital Purchase Mastery: Navigate the steps involved in making strategic capital purchases that align with your lab's goals. Optimal Acquisition Strategies: Discover alternatives for obtaining new instruments and equipment, ensuring high-value choices that suit your lab's unique needs. Maintenance Excellence: Learn the art of delivering effective repair and maintenance to existing instruments and equipment, maximizing their lifespan and performance. Sustainable Asset Lifecycle: Identify alternatives beyond disposal for instruments that are no longer needed in the lab, contributing to sustainability goals. What are the learning outcomes of this course? Provide examples of the different kinds of assets available in the lab, Determine the steps involved in a capital purchase, Determine the alternatives that exist to obtain new instruments and equipment, Discover the alternatives to deliver repair and maintenance to existing instruments and equipment, Identify alternatives besides the trash for instruments that are no longer needed in the lab. Join Scott Hanton on a journey to transform your lab management skills.  Enroll now and equip yourself with the expertise to elevate your lab's efficiency, innovation, and overall success!
  • Instructor: Scott Hanton Are you ready to supercharge your lab's performance and propel your organization forward? Join us in this dynamic online course led by industry expert Scott Hanton, where you'll delve into the essential strategies for harnessing metrics to drive productivity and success. What is this course about? In this dynamic online course, you'll gain invaluable insights into building effective metrics that drive success. From setting precise goals to understanding performance against targets, Scott will guide you through the process of creating balanced metrics that reinforce one another, ultimately leading to enhanced work processes, stakeholder satisfaction, and organizational growth. What are the benefits of this course? Master Lab Productivity Basics: Gain a comprehensive understanding of what drives lab productivity and how to measure it effectively. Harness Balanced Metrics: Discover the power of balanced metrics and how they can propel your lab towards success. Select Strategic Metrics: Learn to select and prioritize metrics that align with your lab's goals and objectives. Evaluate Metric Impact: Understand how different metrics influence your lab's performance and make informed decisions accordingly. Drive Continuous Improvement: Explore actionable strategies to enhance lab performance and achieve sustainable growth. What are the learning outcomes of this course? Identify the basics of lab productivity, Understand the importance of balancing metrics, Select metrics that matter most to the performance of the lab, Judge how different metrics can impact the performance of the lab, Reflect on the kinds of actions the lab manager can take to improve lab performance. Whether you're a lab manager seeking to optimize operations or a team member aiming to contribute more effectively, this course offers essential knowledge and strategies to elevate your performance. Don't miss this opportunity to harness the power of Metrics and Productivity. Enroll now and take the first step towards driving meaningful change in your lab!