Clawson earns RN degree

Marit Clawson, RN

Marit Clawson recently graduated from Western Dakota Technical College with a degree in registered nursing. Congratulations on this amazing achievement!

What brought you to Philip? An opportunity to run my own restaurant … I am a person who believes we are put in a certain place at a certain time for a reason. In the summer of 2016, I was fresh out of culinary school. I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu for Patisserie and Baking May 2015. I was living in Casper, WY, working three jobs and going to school full time for my hospitality management degree. My aunt sent me an ad for a restaurant in Philip with encouragement to move to Philip.

As someone who grew up in a small town in North Dakota, I thought I would never find myself “stuck” living in a small town again. I saw it as fate, when I checked my calendar and just happened to have two days off in a row that upcoming weekend. Two days later, I drove out to Philip to tour the PLA Cafe at Philip Livestock Auction. I went back to Casper and put in my notice at all three of my jobs and moved to Philip two weeks later. Little did I know, this small town would soon grow to have a special place in my life.

My husband and I welcomed our baby girl in June of 2018. Life carried us to Arizona in January of 2020. We moved back to Philip in August of 2021 just in time for baby number two.

Western Dakota Technical College started their satellite campus program in Philip shortly after we moved back to town. I thought my decision to go to nursing school happened by chance. An opportunity of pure convenience. After my first day at clinicals, in the nursing program, I realized I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Why nursing? Some may think that the transition from baking to nursing is a huge change, but the “why” that lies behind both of these passions for me is the same. The reason why I fell in love with baking from a young age was the reaction I received from those I shared my baked goods with. I have always found joy in the way that a sweet treat can brighten someone’s day. Nurses, I have come to realize, have the ability to bring joy to the patients they care for. The best part about nursing is that when you care for your patients with enthusiasm and compassion you not only improve their moment or day, but you can help people change their lives. In my opinion, that’s pretty amazing.

When/where did you graduate from LPN school?

Western Dakota Technical College- Philip satellite campus

Graduated December 2023

When/where did you graduate from RN school?

Western Dakota Technical College

Graduated May 2025

Tell us a little bit about your family and hobbies:

My husband, Colton, and I have two crazy kiddos, Lilah, 7, and Ren, 3. In our spare time, we enjoy the outdoors, hunting and fishing, traveling, playing in the kitchen, and watching movies. Baking is still close to my heart and I enjoy spending time in the kitchen whenever I get the chance. I am currently building a bakery cart to bring more handmade items and fresh baked goods to Philip.

I am working at the Philip Clinic as a full-time RN. I have started training in the Scotchman Living Center and Philip Hospital to work PRN, as well.

I thought Philip would just be a temporary stop on my journey, but I have learned that the people here are unlike any other small town I have been to. The never-ending support offered to those young and old is inspiring. I am honored to serve those in and around this community and call Philip our home.