National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center

Working together to increase the capability of the U.S. public health and health care systems to safely and effectively manage special pathogens.

What We Offer

health care workers in personal protective equipment receiving training

We offer courses and training for nurses, physicians, emergency responders, and other health care professionals. Our resources provide facilities and individuals with preparedness best practices.

Health care workers in full protective equipment conduct drill in patient setting

We can help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events with free virtual and onsite readiness consulting and assessments.

medical researcher working with test tubes in a laboratory

Our network provides researchers with training, tools, and resources to quickly understand clinical syndromes and study effective treatments and clinical management strategies.

hospital staff at computer

Your organization can submit any question related to special pathogen response. Inquiries range from questions about PPE, to requests to review written protocols, to onsite visits for observing exercises and drills.

Upcoming Webinar

Countdown to Kickoff: 2026 World Cup HCID Preparedness

As the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, healthcare systems must be ready for the challenges that come with large-scale international events. Join NETEC for a webinar on HCID preparedness on May 27 at 12 p.m. EDT.

Register for the Webinar
New Podcast

Inside the NSPS: Dr. Laura Evans’ Vision for the National Special Pathogen System

In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan interviews Dr. Laura Evans, the new executive director of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), about her path from critical care leadership at Bellevue to national special pathogen preparedness.

Listen to the Episode
How We Lead

National Special Pathogens System (NSPS)

The National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) helps the country prepare the health care system, protect the health care workforce, and respond to special pathogen events by coordinating special pathogen care across the United States.

Recent News

Inside the NSPS: Dr. Laura Evans on Building a System Ready for What’s Next 

April 28, 2026

NSPS Executive Director Dr. Laura Evans shares lessons from the frontlines—from Ebola to COVID-19—and how those experiences are shaping the NSPS.

Why Anteroom and Antearea Planning Is Critical for HCID Readiness 

April 21, 2026

NETEC’s anteroom and antearea guidance helps healthcare facilities safely manage high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) by standardizing critical transition spaces. Designed for Level 3 and Level 4 settings, it outlines best practices for PPE use, staff movement, and infection control—reducing contamination risk, protecting staff, and strengthening preparedness.

Lab testing

Biosafety Cabinets 101: Foundation for Safe Handling of Special Pathogens 

April 14, 2026

Learn how biosafety cabinets (BSCs) protect laboratory staff, the environment, and research when handling infectious materials. This recap of NETEC’s Biosafety Cabinets 101 webinar covers BSC classes, airflow and HEPA filtration, and essential best practices for safe use, certification, and maintenance.