By Staff
For Chloe Yeager, MSN, RN (MSN 2025), a recent graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing’s Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Pathway, nursing wasn’t just a career change; it was a calling discovered in one of life’s most defining moments. Now working as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at UAB Hospital, Yeager represents the thousands of UAB graduates who choose to remain in Alabama and those who remain within the UAB Health System.
That journey, she says, began with a decision that required a great deal of courage.
“In my previous career as a medical sales representative, I reached a point where I felt unfulfilled and uncertain about what path would suit me best,” Yeager said.
That uncertainty shifted with a life-changing moment—the birth of her daughter.
“As a single mother, I realized it was my responsibility to create the most abundant life for her and that meant stepping into my purpose,” she continued. “My internal search for my calling began immediately. I asked myself one very important question: ‘What is something I will be proud of at the end of the day, no matter how good or bad the day was?’ The answer was and will always be nursing.”
Yeager’s decision to pursue nursing at UAB was grounded in the School’s national reputation. The UAB School of Nursing is ranked No. 1 in the state for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. The School also is ranked No. 11 overall and No. 1 in Alabama for National Institutes of HealthOpens an external link. funding by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.
For students like Yeager, that national distinction translates into an educational experience that is both rigorous and unmatched in excellence.
The Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Pathway is a full-time, entry-level nursing pathway designed for individuals with bachelor’s degrees or higher in non-nursing fields who are seeking a career change. Through an intensive, three-semester curriculum, students can earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree and eligibility for licensure—allowing them to transition quickly and confidently into practice.
“When searching for nursing programs, the UAB School of Nursing was a no-brainer. UAB has one of the best nursing programs in the country and when I found out that I could become a nurse in one year through the AMNP pathway, I immediately applied,” she said.
What followed was an intense, transformative year that tested her resilience while sharpening her purpose.
“I knew completing the AMNP pathway, while navigating being a single mother to a 6-month-old, would be the hardest yet most rewarding year of my life,” Yeager said. “I have never been a stranger to hard work, but last year tested me in many ways and made me the strongest and happiest version of myself. The pathway gave me excellent mentors, valuable clinical experience, best friends for life and absolute certainty that I was where I was supposed to be.”
Beyond clinical knowledge, the program instilled a mindset that now defines her nursing practice.
“Due to the accelerated nature of the pathway, it is not uncommon to be in clinical situations where you may not know everything,” she said. “These moments require bravery to ask for help and seek further knowledge in evidence-based practice. I understand that this quality is what separates a good nurse from a great nurse and I am forever grateful for the AMNP pathway for instilling this in my practice.”
Through various clinical rotations across UAB Hospital, Yeager gained hands-on experience while building relationships that would directly shape her career path.
“I had the opportunity to do clinicals on several units, including the Abdominal Transplant Unit, Neurology Intensive Care Unit, Neurology Stepdown Unit and the Emergency Department, as well as in specialties such as Labor and Delivery, Pediatrics, Community Health and Mental Health,” she said.
Those experiences within UAB Hospital ultimately shaped how confidently she stepped into nursing practice.
“Having the opportunity to complete my clinical rotations at my future place of employment was extremely helpful and enlightening,” she said. “I was able to build relationships with nurses and nurse managers in different specialties and discover where I belonged. I became familiar with the electronic medical record system and hospital policies before becoming an employee, which made for a smooth transition.”
That early exposure didn’t just ease her transition; it led Yeager deeper into her calling.
“I fell in love with the Emergency Department the moment I set foot there. I loved the fast-paced nature of the unit, the variety of conditions treated and the camaraderie of everyone on the floor. I knew that I wanted to challenge myself and learn as much as I possibly could, and the UAB Emergency Department was the environment to cultivate that.”
When it came time for Yeager to submit a request for her preceptorship positions, the UAB Emergency Department was her first choice.
“I was thrilled when I received the call that I had been selected and was eager to get started,” she added. “During my 240 hours in the department, I had preceptors who taught me valuable skills that I have incorporated into my practice. One of my preceptors was on the Trauma team, which is what really sold me on the unit. My goal is to apply for a Trauma Core position after gaining more experience.”
Now working full-time in the UAB Emergency Department, Yeager continues to build on that foundation.
“The most rewarding part of my journey so far has been realizing just how much growth can happen when you fully commit to something, even in the hardest season of your life,” she said. “Throughout the AMNP pathway, I kept my head down and worked harder than ever, balancing the demands of school, clinicals and single motherhood. There were many moments where it felt overwhelming and I questioned whether I could do it, but I persevered and stayed focused on the bigger picture. Then one day, I looked up and realized I was almost at the finish line, and in that moment, it hit me how much I had accomplished.”
Her academic journey also was supported through scholarship funding—an investment that helped make her transition into nursing possible.
“I was fortunate to receive the Thor-Louck Endowed Scholarship in Nursing,” Yeager said. “I am forever grateful to the donors of this scholarship for providing me the opportunity to continue my education to pursue nursing.”
One more meaningful moment in her journey came when she was invited to speak to the most recent incoming AMNP cohort.
“There were several mothers in the room who were visibly anxious about how they would make it through the program,” Yeager said. “Being able to share my story with them and offer encouragement was an incredible honor. I wanted them to know that they are capable of far more than they realize, and that they are, in many ways, superheroes. With determination and support, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Yeager’s journey also reflects the impact of the UAB School of Nursing—preparing nurses who are not only ready to enter practice but carry forward a strong foundation of knowledge and purpose as they build careers and make a lasting impact within the UAB Health System, throughout Alabama and in communities across the country.