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