I took an MT course in 1996, hoping that I could eventually "work at home."  But nobody wanted to hire a newbie.  Finally, 6 years later, a nice lady took a chance on me and hired me as an MT at a pathology lab.  That was one of the most interesting jobs I've ever had, seeing the flow of how the specimens come in with a working diagnosis to a final diagnosis.  I got to see a lot and learn a lot, but mostly it gave me compassion for what other people are going through.  Since then, I've worked in MT jobs, and through down-sizing and lay-offs I finally ended up at Transcend working at home, my goal in the first place!  So it all worked out great!

I completed a 9 month secretarial course in St. Joseph, Missouri back in 1986 with no intention of becoming an MT.  As part of that program, I had to complete a 3 month internship and was placed with the State of Missouri's Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.  Most of the work there was transcription from tapes.  Two weeks before my internship was to end, the transcriptionist put in her 2 weeks notice and I was offered the opportunity to stay on in her place, which I gladly took.  That was the beginning of what has turned out to be a 25+ year career as an MT.  I went on to work in both transcription offices and doctors offices over the years, but in 1998 I made the transition to working at home and done so ever since. It has provided me with a great income while being able to stay home with my two sons, now 17 and 7.  Being an MT has been rewarding in so many ways.  I have been available to be a "full-time" mom while still contributing substantially to the family income like so many of my friends have not when they have to be away at the office all day.  I always say that I just "happened" into this career because all the steps along the way have just fallen into place.  I only just recently took a Medical Terminology course and an Anatomy & Physiology course, so over the last 25 years, it has all been learning on the job and I really appreciate the previous employers who allowed me to learn as I went along.  The education has been invaluable.  By the way, I got As in both classes!

-- Michelle Johnson

I had been "retired" from the work force for almost 10 years when my daughter told me about a medical transcription course.  It sounded like something I would like to do - typing from home!  My husband was retired and it was a good fit for me to earn a little income and get some experience in a new field.  I've been doing this for almost 4 years with Transcend and couldn't ask for a better job experience.  I love my 3rd shift PT schedule.  God willing and the creek don't rise I'll be doing this for lots of years to come...

patricia

I was a stay-at-home mom and my husband came home one day and said "I have the perfect job for you!", as if I wasn't busy enough as it was with the 2 kids.  lol   He heard on the radio schooling for medical transcription to work from home.  It sounded interested and I decided to pursue the courses on-line.  I worked for local doctors until I moved half way across the country and was hired by DeVenture Health Partners, an on-line company.  Then about 1 year later they were acquired by Transcend.  In total I have been in this field for 7-1/2 years now and enjoy it.

Tanya

MT WEEK

I have always loved typing and troubleshooting problems.  I worked as a health insurance claim processor and went back to school to take classes for transcription.  I loved the idea of being able to be a mom and have a career.  I also loved the portability of  a transcription career.  I got a job in a local teaching hospital with 200 new interns every summer.  I gained a lot of experience and loved my job.  The department closed and I chose to work here.  I have loved getting to work with a great group of people and developing my own career at the same time.  I have been able to meet a lot of people (over the phone or in person), travel, and sometimes even surprise myself with what I can accomplish in a day.  My hope is that everyone in this career has pride in the job that he/she does every day because it  is a skill.

Rest in Peace Cindy

Cindy was a special person.  I did not know her long but feel so blessed to have met her and gotten to konw her over the last few months.  Cindy lost her battle with cancer today.  Up until the very end Cindy was such a positive person and worried about everyone else.  If you talked to Cindy you would never know she was sick or how bad she was feeling.  I am so grateful to have met her and she has really inspired me to give everything my all.  Cindy, you will be forever a part of our Preston region and you will be missed!  Here is a picture of me with Cindy when I got to visit her a few months ago.

INSPIRATION

We all receive inspiration from somewhere or something.  Inspiration, motivation, dedication.  Where does it come from?  I received inspiration yesterday from my daughter.  She took on a new project, powerlifting.  I know, I had a perception too of pumped up powerhouses, YIKES!  Not true.  My daughter is in her prom dress one day heading out with her boyfriend and out there competing lifting weights the next.  She set a goal a few years ago to play volleyball in college.  This seemed far fetched at the time considering she is 5'2 and comes from a class D high school.  She will be going to college next fall and will be playing on the team.  She has been training for powerlifting which to her was lifting, exercising, eating right, staying in weight class.  She went to regionals and state and received medals in both.  I teared up last night watching her compete in state because I knew how much she put into it and what an accomplishment it was. People tell me I should be proud.  I am proud, but I feel kudos also goes to my grandparents and parents.  My grandparents instilled in us integrity, work ethic and great business sense along with being honestly good people.  My parents always encouraged us with any idea we had, no matter how silly they may have thought it was.  I have passed all this on to my girls.  It brings to mind a quote I heard the other day "The difference between try and triumph is a little UMPH!"  This gave me a kick of motivation and I hope it does to you too.