What does Vipada “Mimi” Sriratanakorn do after earning an associate degree in science, a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and a master’s in computing information technology? She pursues an Accelerated BS in Nursing.

Sriratanakorn expects to earn the degree in December 2025.  

Like Sriratanakorn, others who hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a field other than nursing can earn an ABSN in 16 months at Colby-Sawyer. The in-person, 15-week semesters include clinical experiences at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, the state’s only academic medical center and Level I trauma center. 

Colby-Sawyer and Dartmouth Health have a dynamic, longstanding partnership that provides outstanding clinical education to Colby-Sawyer nursing students in the state’s largest health system. DHMC consistently offers employment to 100% of Colby-Sawyer’s graduating nurses. 

In the lightly edited Q&A below, the dean's list student talks about the rewarding experiences that led her to pursue an ABSN. 

Please share a bit about yourself.  

I grew up in Bangkok, Thailand, in a family with Thai-Chinese heritage. As a child, I found great pleasure in studying math and science. Traveling is a passion, and I’ve been lucky enough to explore several European countries. I also love reading Thai books and spending time with my 9-year-old daughter, who is my inspiration. I have seen her stumble, fall and get back up, which inspires me to want to be a better person for her.  

What other topics have you studied? What other careers have you had? 

I arrived in the U.S. in 2000 and earned an associate of science in science. I relocated to England, where I obtained a degree in human resource management. For a couple of years, I worked at an education agency before becoming the human resources manager at a factory in Thailand. Later, I returned to England to pursue a master’s degree in computing information technology. I then returned to Thailand and worked in IT within the human resource department. 

How did your interest in nursing develop? 

At first, I was looking for a stable career, so I pursued the Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Program through Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. That provided me with the opportunity to interact with patients in different circumstances. Ultimately, when patients were discharged, the appreciation and gratitude they expressed for my care were incredibly fulfilling, which inspired my desire to become a nurse. 

Describe your experience in the program. 

The ABSN program is rigorous and moves quickly, but there is extensive support available. I especially appreciate the health assessment class taught by Brett Roberts. The knowledge we gained can be directly applied in real clinical environments. He has provided us with a clinical mindset that will be valuable in our future endeavors. Additionally, I admire Lindsey Thompson’s well-structured fundamental class. I can't emphasize enough how much the ABSN students in my class adore her. 

Are you working while enrolled in school? What are your post-Commencement plans?  

Last semester I worked once or twice a week, doing 12-hour shifts as an LNA at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. I want to continue working there; I'm currently uncertain about which area of nursing I would like to pursue. In the future, I would like a career in nursing informatics, as I already have experience in programming.  

What’s your message to people considering earning an ABSN? 

If you really want to pursue it, you should start now. There are many opportunities in nursing.