Maria College, with 867 students, has announced a 35-percent increase in enrollment this year, crediting the jump to meeting regional workforce needs with flexible degree programs.

“Our growth is driven by purpose, not just numbers,” said Dr. Lynn Ortale, president of Maria College, in a release announcing the enrollment. “Guided by our Mercy mission, we are committed to helping students achieve their full potential and preparing them to lead and serve our community.”

Founded in 1958, Maria College in Albany is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

Two new associate-degree programs were launched in August:

— Surgical technology, in partnership with St. Peter’s Health Partners where students train in operating rooms, and

— Radiological technology, in collaboration with Albany Medical Center, with labs and clinical training held on the Albany Medical Center campus.

“These are win-win-win partnerships,” Ortale went on. “Employers grow their workforce, students gain access to education, and Maria lives out its Mercy mission.”

In January, the college plans to launch two additional programs, approved by the State Education Department:

— Medical assistant and sterile processing certificate programs and

— Master of science in clinical mental-health counseling, developed in response to the mental health crisis, pending approval of the Middle States Commission of Higher Education.

Existing programs have been enhanced to better support students as they balance work, family responsibilities, and academic demands. For example, the associate degree in nursing program has been expanded to include a weekend option.

The bachelor of science in nursing completion program, which was originally offered in a one-year accelerated format, now also provides a part-time option.

This fall, the college established four new academic partnerships with local long-term care facilities: Teresian House, Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, The Wesley Community, and Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors.

The Caring Gene Career Pathways Training Program, a not-for-profit collaborating with the New York State Medicaid program, offers full funding for tuition and books across 13 approved healthcare-related degree fields, including nursing, counseling, and medical assisting.

In return, students commit to working for three years at a healthcare, behavioral health, or social-care provider in New York state that serves a patient population composed of at least 30 percent Medicaid-reliant or uninsured individuals.

These partnerships are designed to support staff recruitment and retention, provide employees with opportunities to advance their nursing education, and enhance the quality of care for residents. Currently, more than 5 percent of Maria students are employed at these partner sites.

On Sept. 2, as the county signed a memorandum of understanding with Maria College, the county executive, Daniel McCoy, said in a statement, “By removing financial barriers that too often prevent talented individuals from pursuing or advancing in their nursing careers, we are empowering both new and existing nurses to reach their full potential.”