Finding and following your passions

Melissa Cartier graduated from Anoka Technical College in 2014 after beginning her college career at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

“I was completely overwhelmed by that campus, so I was a bit nervous when I started at Anoka Tech,” Melissa said.  “The Anoka Tech campus turned out to be a great environment to learn in, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed being on a college campus again.”

Melissa chose Anoka Tech because of its convenient location and the low-cost tuition. Once she started the Medical Coding certificate program, however, she found she “enjoyed the material and wanted to learn more.”

“The campus, the material I was learning, and the fantastic instructors sealed my decision to pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Health Information Technology,” Melissa shared.

Since graduating from Anoka Tech in 2014, Melissa completed a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, and currently works for Blue Cross of Minnesota in a position she calls her dream job.

Melissa shares her passion for the field as an in-demand speaker for multiple health information management associations, and by teaching occasionally at Anoka Tech.

“I tell students to take a few courses, get involved, reach out to current and former students to get a feel for what the professional world has to offer,” Melissa said. “Those of us who have been lucky enough to  attend Anoka Tech and beyond are more than happy to share our experiences with you.”

Health management is not Melissa’s only passion, though her position helps her afford her other passion.

“I love to travel! Even as I share this, my husband and I are in Denver enjoying an amazing vacation,” Melissa said. “My favorite destination is anywhere on Lake Superior, but I also enjoy the coast in California and the historic areas of Massachusetts, North Carolina and Virginia.”

Learn more about the Health Information Technology/Medical Coding or one of Anoka Tech's 70+ programs today.