Meet Our Founder

dr. hughes

Dr. Doug Hughes, EdD, CSFA, CST, CRCST, FASA, FAST

Founder and Principal Consultant of Bridgent Academy

Dr. Hughes is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Bridgent Academy, bringing over two decades of experience bridging clinical practice, educational leadership, and curriculum innovation. He holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Washington State University, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Fresno, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Surgical Technology from Boise State University.

As an award-winning educator, current college dean, and former surgical technology program director, Dr. Hughes has led the development of new degree programs, secured significant grant funding, and contributed to national publications in surgical sciences and educational technology. He is recognized as a thought leader in curriculum design, accreditation compliance, and the integration of AI into teaching and learning.

Dr. Hughes specializes in supporting professionals transitioning from industry into teaching roles, offering innovative, standards-aligned training that equips new educators with practical tools and strategies.

His expertise includes:

  • Faculty development for healthcare, CTE, and K-12 educators
  • Curriculum design and instructional technology integration
  • Accreditation compliance and program development
  • AI-enhanced teaching strategies

Professional Snapshot

Health sciences professor and senior academic leader; current college dean overseeing allied health and nursing in Washington State

CAAHEP accreditation site visitor and former Chair of the ARC/STSA Subcommittee for Accreditation on Surgical Assisting (SASA)

Former Vice President of the Association of Surgical Assistants (ASA)

Program developer across surgical technology, perioperative nursing, dental assisting, computer science, respiratory therapy, community health, SUD counseling, and more; launched new 2 and 4-year degrees

AST Educator of the Year (2015); frequent presenter and mentor

Published contributor to McGraw-Hill’s The Practice and Principles of Surgical Assisting (2025)

Fellow: Association of Surgical Assistants (FASA) and Association of Surgical Technologists (FAST)