MARIA COLLEGE AND HOMETOWN HEALTH CENTERS PARTNER TO EXPAND HEALTHCARE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
MARIA COLLEGE AND HOMETOWN HEALTH CENTERS PARTNER TO EXPAND HEALTHCARE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Albany, N.Y. (September 22, 2026) – Maria College and Hometown Health Centers (HHC) are partnering to expand educational opportunities for healthcare workers, strengthen clinical education, and explore additional ways to support the Capital Region’s healthcare workforce.
A two-year memorandum of understanding, signed today, will create pathways for HHC employees to pursue Maria College certificate and degree programs. It also will provide opportunities for Maria students to gain clinical experience at HHC and for the organizations to collaborate on academic programs, professional development and other initiatives.
The signing takes place during Mercy Week, which honors the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and their commitment to serving those in need. That commitment aligns with the work of HHC, a federally qualified health center serving medically underserved communities.
“Maria College’s Mercy mission calls us to respond to the needs of our communities through education, service and opportunity,” said Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale. “That mission aligns closely with the work of Hometown Health Centers, and this partnership creates meaningful opportunities to advance education, strengthen the healthcare workforce and serve the communities that both organizations are committed to supporting.”
The organizations also will explore opportunities to expand educational and clinical experiences for Maria College students through HHC’s healthcare and dental services. HHC’s dental facility, which opened in Schenectady in January 2024, features 30 exam rooms and the latest digital technology. The facility offers general and preventive dentistry, pediatric care, oral surgery and emergency appointments and serves around 14,000 patients annually.
“Our state-of-the-art dental practice gives us an exciting opportunity to support the development of future healthcare professionals while expanding access to high-quality care in our community,” noted Christine Smoot Lowers, CEO, Hometown Health Centers. “Working with Maria College will give students valuable opportunities to learn in a real-world healthcare setting while helping build the skilled healthcare workforce our patients and community need.”
The organizations also will consider clinical education opportunities for Maria College students in nursing and clinical psychology, based on available space, staffing and applicable regulatory requirements.
For HHC employees, Maria College will provide information about its certificate and degree programs, admissions support and academic advising. They also will have opportunities to connect with Maria through career fairs and other events focused on education and career advancement.
Additional areas of collaboration will include joint grant opportunities and other mission-aligned initiatives.
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About Maria College
Founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy, Maria College is a private Catholic college in Albany, N.Y. committed to service and opportunity. Guided by dignity, compassion, and service, Maria provides career-relevant education and strong student support through associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree and certificate programs in nursing, health sciences, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and liberal arts. Through innovative teaching, experiential learning, and strong regional partnerships, the college supports student success while strengthening healthcare and human services in the Capital Region and beyond. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.
About Hometown Health Centers
With locations at 1044 State Street in Schenectady and 67 Division Street in Amsterdam, Hometown Health Centers is nationally recognized for providing high-quality, cost-effective primary health care to all in need, with particular concern for low-income residents. As the primary care provider of choice for nearly 20,000 patients, the health center offers primary and preventive healthcare to children and families, behavioral health and lab services, as well as comprehensive dental care. For more information, visit HometownHealthCenters.org.
Photo Caption
Maria College and Hometown Health Centers, a federally qualified health center based in Schenectady, have signed a new two year memorandum of understanding to expand educational and clinical opportunities and strengthen the Capital Region’s healthcare workforce. The partnership will create opportunities for HHC employees to pursue Maria College certificate and degree programs, while giving Maria students valuable clinical experience at HHC. The organizations will also explore opportunities for clinical education, professional development and academic collaboration. Signed during Mercy Week, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to service, opportunity and supporting the communities they serve. Pictured: Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale and Hometown Health Centers CEO Christine Smoot Lowers.