From history to healing: UAB nursing graduate proves it is never too late to change careers

Colton Segars, nursing graduateWhen choosing a career path, young people often feel overwhelmed by the prospect of a large decision that will impact the rest of their lives. As Colton Segars reflects on his time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing’s Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Pathway, he says it is never too late to change one’s mind and follow their passion.

Segars, who is graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing degree Dec. 14, has been no stranger to UAB — in fact, he grew up in the School of Nursing building. His mother, Ashley Hodges, Ph.D., served on the school’s faculty until her retirement in 2022, and his sister, Amanda Segars, DNP, is a two-time alum.

Following in his family’s footsteps, Segars originally came to UAB to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree when he was 20 years old. Soon, he became interested in history and switched gears to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree and then a Master of Arts degree in history at the College of Arts and Sciences.

While he earned these degrees, he worked in the School of Nursing’s Office of Technology and Innovation as a clinical simulation specialist. He was assigned to the Blazer Simulation Lab, where he worked closely with Penni Watts, Ph.D., professor and associate dean for Technology and Innovation, who saw the nurse in him, influencing his decision to make a career pivot to nursing.

“As soon as Colton joined our team during COVID-19, I knew he had the heart of a nurse,” Watts said. “His ‘can do’ attitude and his innovative, creative ideas helped support our faculty and students during a difficult time. In his role, he learned a lot about nursing from an operations perspective, and it became evident he would make a great nurse. Colton has always been kind and curious, and he was an exemplary student. I am confident that the skills he developed in the Blazer Simulation Lab will continue to serve him in his nursing career.”

In the simulation lab, Segars was exposed to the nursing profession from a different perspective, which made him change his mind.

“I was able to see myself as a nurse because my co-workers were very supportive of my coming back as a student,” Segars said. “Dr. Watts was especially very supportive of me and has known me for years, so she played a huge role in my decision.” 

Segars learned about the Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Pathway, a three-semester program designed for students with a non-nursing background to make a career change, and found it to be the perfect fit for him.

Segars working at the simulation lab“The AMNP is a full nursing program in a condensed format and time frame, and it was very appealing to be able to complete the degree quickly and enter into the nursing profession,” Segars said.

Segars loved seeing his classroom education come to life early on as the program allows students to start their clinical education in their second semester.

“It was a great experience to be able to share the knowledge between coursework and the clinical setting,” Segars said. “It was great to see how the things we learn affected patients in real time.”

Segars found learning alongside a supportive, passionate cohort rewarding as it offered a wide range of life experiences, he says.

“Everyone in the program already had a college degree, and a lot of them had experience in different careers,” Segars said. “No matter where everyone had been, we were all in the same boat moving toward the same goal.”

Segars has been involved with the American Association for Men in Nursing, and he is thankful for the group’s support. Segars is especially appreciative of the UAB School of Nursing Board of Visitors Endowed Scholarship and the UAB School of Nursing’s Dean Scholarship he received in 2024 that helped alleviate financial burden and ensured a smooth education.  

“These scholarships helped me focus on my schoolwork, and I did not have to worry about the financial aspect,” Segars said. “It has been great to be able to focus on my studies and not worry about tuition.”

Looking back on his academic journey, Segars says that UAB has been home for him, and it is incredible to reflect on his growth. In the future, Segars hopes to return to UAB for his Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree.

“For a young person, it is very difficult to make a life-changing decision,” Segars said. “The beauty of the AMNP was that one year of school completely changed my path. It is a great opportunity for people who feel stuck in their fields. There is a way out, and there is more education out there and a different career for you."