Instructors
Our instructors don’t just know this stuff, they live it. Instructors at DCTC have worked extensively in their professions and remain active in the industry. They bring their business and industry experience into their classrooms and labs. Our instructors do more than teach- they advised and mentor students. They make themselves available to students no just for help in coursework, but for help in achieving results, whether that’s finding a new job or improving a current one.
Miller, Kathy
Kathleen M. Miller is a medical laboratory technician. Kathy has been teaching in the Medical Assistant program since 2005 and has an associate degree in medical laboratory technology.
She works for the HealthEast Care System in the Hematology Laboratory as a clinical laboratory technician II. She's an assistant teacher of phlebotomy for HealthEast Medical Laboratory and also develops and teaches pediatric phlebotomy classes for HealthEast Medical Laboratory Clinic.
Kathy has more than nine years experience in a 12-physician pediatric practice as well as 15 years at HealthPartners with seven years in the Specialty Laboratory. A recipient of the Golden Apple Award, she has been a workshop presenter in ASCLS-MN Area III.
Her published works include a contribution to "A Collection of Essays in Sociology and Anthropology" in the 1991 issue of Strata, a publication of Inver Hills Community College.
Regarding her teaching philosophy, Kathy says, "My job is to teach you how to draw blood as a medical assistant and I will. You will be aware of my passion for the laboratory and all areas of this service profession from the very first class."
The best part of her job as a DCTC instructor is helping her students over rough patches. She appreciates the wonder of her work when she sees a student's fear of collecting blood diminish as they practice their skills and move from a dummy arm to drawing blood for the first time from a living human.
Kathy's hobbies and interests include cooking, cross-stitch, Bible study and spending time with her family—especially her seven grandchildren.
Nadeau, Patrice
Patrice Nadeau is a medical assistant instructor. She started teaching at DCTC in 1994 and took over as program director in 2001. Patrice has a master’s degree in clinical laboratory science from the University of North Dakota. She has her bachelor’s in medical technology from the University of Minnesota.
Having extensive work experience in hospitals and clinics, she most recently served as a technical consultant for Allina Medical Clinic laboratories and Central Pediatrics. She was honored as a guest lecturer for laboratory science in the continuing education program at the University of North Dakota.
Regarding her teaching philosophy, Patrice says, “Hands-on, guided practice is very important for the medical field. Small numbers in the lab help with this important part of student learning. Everyone can learn if given the right opportunity.”
“The students!” are the best part of her job as a DCTC instructor.
She lists conflict resolution as a new interest and plans to pursue education on the subject.
Noirjean, Margaret
Margaret Noirjean began teaching at DCTC in 2002. She instructs courses for medical assistant, nursing, and biomedical students in anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, administrative procedures, and pharmacology.
A licensed registered nurse, Margaret has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. CPR Certified, she has completed the Teacher Education Series and has a Public Health Nurse Certificate.
Her extensive industry experience includes jobs as:
- clinical services manager, Allina Medical Clinics, Parkview Ob/Gyn
- health educator, CommonHealth Clinic & Home Care
- director special care areas, Humana Hospital, St. Luke's
- head nurse, A Coronary Care Unit, University of Virginia Hospital
- staff telemetry nurse, Huntington Hospital
The winner of several Golden Apple Awards, Margaret has also earned a CAFÉ Award, a Star Award for Excellence, and a Teacher of the Year nomination.
Regarding her teaching philosophy, she strives to “teach in a manner for students to succeed while demonstrating qualities of professionalism and participating in civic engagement projects.”
The best part of her job as a DCTC instructor is working and interacting with people on campus. Her hobbies and interests include needlework, gardening, skiing, hiking, walking, and spending time with family and friends.