Journeys Through Service

Helping Others Heal, In and Out of Uniform

Adrenaline-seeker Isaac found his path in medicine, where health care meets high-stakes action.

Meet Isaac

Aerospace Medical Technician

Medic at the Ready

Aerospace medical technicians keep service members healthy and mission ready. From administering vaccines and drawing blood to assisting surgeons, Senior Airman Isaac Esene ensures his unit in the Air National Guard is medically prepared while gaining skills that transfer to civilian health care.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

EMT/Paramedic, Physician Assistant (PA), Nurse/Clinical Technician, Urgent Care Provider, Medical Records Specialist

BRANCH

Air National Guard

RANK

Senior Airman

Isaac’s Journey at a Glance

Saw the Military as an avenue to propel his medical career

Earned EMT certification, 37 college credits and real experience

Founded a nonprofit focused on helping communities

What Led Isaac to the Military

The Spark

The Spark

With nurses for parents, he’d always leaned medical. A chance conversation with a Guard commander put him on the path to serve.

The Drive

The Drive

He wanted hands-on experience, part-time service and education benefits while acquiring skills to help his community.

The Decision

The Decision

The work he saw physician assistants doing during Basic Training aligned with his goals: a military role that fast-tracked his health care career.

“A common misconception is that the Military is a backup if you can’t get into college. I would argue it’s a superior combination.”

What Isaac Does on the Job

Isaac’s job is part science, part service, all hands-on. He helps keep Airmen healthy by assisting doctors, managing patient data and responding to emergencies. His training allows him to act as a first responder during aeromedical evacuations and large-scale events.

Isaac checks a patient's blood pressure

Patient Care

Administers vaccines, takes vitals, draws blood and assists in surgeries.

Isaac types at his computer while studying in the library

Medical Readiness

Updates health records and keeps service members ready for their next missions.

Isaac works his civilian job taking a patients vitals

Emergency Response

Provides on-site medical support at large events like holiday celebrations.

 

 

 

 

 

“My job is like a mix of an EMT and a nurse. We can work on ambulances and also in hospital settings. It’s versatile.”

balanced scale icon

The Military’s Unparalleled Health Care Opportunities

Non-Physician Roles in the Military
science medicine logo

Explore Roles That Drive Service Members Like Isaac

Roles In Science And Medicine

Leveling Up, One Drill Weekend at a Time

A drill weekend takes place once a month and is a part-time service member’s chance to build skills and stay mission ready. Units focus on training, fitness, field exercises, weapons practice and leadership labs.

Saturday Is All About Practice

The day starts with a briefing, followed by hands-on refreshers, such as blood draws. 

Sunday Is “Game Time”

The day focuses on immunizing patients and conducting physical health assessments for up to 100 Airmen.

Finding Balance Outside the Uniform

Serving part time gives Isaac the space to pursue a degree and also grow his nonprofit, an organization that helps and heals others.

CPR Instructor

Teaches lifesaving emergency response skills to young people in his community.

Student Life

Full-time physician assistant school student turning military training into college credits.

Community Support

Lends his expertise as a first-aid medic on TV production sets and at live concerts. 
 

 

 

“I teach CPR in my free time to kids in underserved communities. I also like to spend time with friends, attend church and do first aid at concerts.”

Ready for the Road Ahead

Future-Proofing

  • Credentials that count beyond the Military
  • Clinical hours for real-world experience
  • Multiple degrees at no cost

Life-Shaping

  • Confidence boost for his “shy” side
  • Strong public speaking skills built through leadership trainings
  • A launchpad to becoming a physician's assistant

More Stories About What Lights You Up