Cadet. Future Nurse. Leader. Isaac Hallberg’s Dual Journey at UND
Curious if you can pursue a college degree and prepare for a future in military service? At the University of North Dakota (UND), senior UND nursing student and Army ROTC cadet Isaac Hallberg is doing just that. Through UND’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Isaac is developing leadership skills, building discipline, and preparing for a career that blends health care and military service. Balancing early mornings in uniform with clinical coursework, he’s proving that with the right support and determination, students can get ready to serve while still in school.
Q: First things first—tell us a little about you!
Isaac: “I’m from Battle Lake, Minnesota, and I am currently a senior in the ROTC program at the University of North Dakota. I am pursuing a degree in Nursing.”
Q: Sounds like you’ve got a full plate! How has ROTC enhanced your education at UND?
Isaac: “ROTC has enriched my nursing education by instilling strong leadership skills, discipline, and adaptability—qualities that are essential in both military and civilian healthcare settings. The program has taught me how to perform under pressure, work effectively in a team, and make critical decisions, all of which directly translate to nursing, especially in high-stakes environments such as emergency medicine or critical care. Additionally, ROTC has provided me with opportunities to develop resilience and time management skills, helping me balance academic coursework with military training.”
Q: What made you decide to pursue ROTC alongside nursing?
Isaac: “I have always wanted to serve in the military while also pursuing a career in nursing. ROTC provided the perfect opportunity to combine both, allowing me to develop as a leader while preparing for a meaningful career in Army nursing. The ability to serve my country while making a difference in patients’ lives is incredible to me, and ROTC has given me the training and pathway to achieve that goal.”
Q: Okay, be honest, how do you juggle it all?
Isaac: “Balancing the demands of ROTC and nursing school requires careful time management and dedication (and a lot of patience). I follow a structured schedule that allows me to prioritize both my academic responsibilities and my ROTC commitments while still maintaining high performance in both. While this often means sacrificing a majority of my personal time, I view it as an investment in my future. The skills I’ve developed in ROTC, such as strategic planning and adaptability, have also helped me navigate the demands of nursing school.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about ROTC?
Isaac: “ROTC is more than just a pathway to military service; it is a leadership development program that challenges you to grow both personally and professionally. It cultivates qualities such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience—traits that will benefit you regardless of the career path you choose. If you’re considering ROTC, I would encourage you to embrace the challenges and opportunities it offers. It is a demanding program, but the skills and experiences you gain are invaluable and will prepare you for future success in any field.”
Q: What’s next after graduation?
Isaac: “Upon graduation, I plan to commission as an officer in the Army Nurse Corps, attend the Nurse Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC), and begin my career working in a military hospital within the U.S. This pathway will provide me with invaluable experience in military medicine, leadership, and patient care. In the long term, I hope to further my education and expertise within the Army Nurse Corps, possibly specializing in pediatrics and flight nursing while continuing to serve both soldiers and their families.”
The Bottom Line:
Isaac Hallberg’s journey shows that with determination (and some serious time management), students at UND can thrive in both ROTC and nursing. Whether your dream is to lead a unit, care for patients, or both—UND ROTC has your six.
Ready to explore your path at UND?
Learn more about the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines and discover how you can prepare for a career in healthcare.
Interested in leadership, service, and military training? Check out the UND ROTC programs to see how you can start your journey.
