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

Biosafety Cabinets 101

Biosafety cabinets are a critical engineering control when working with special pathogens. On March 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM EDT, join NETEC for an in-depth session covering BSC types, airflow and filtration principles, and best practices for safe and effective use. This webinar is ideal for healthcare workers, laboratorians, safety professionals, and facility personnel supporting high-consequence infectious disease preparedness.

Register Now
Roadmap to Readiness

NSPS Level 2 Resource Guide

NETEC has released the NSPS Level 2 Resource Guide, a comprehensive tool designed to help healthcare facilities prepare for and respond to special pathogen events. Aligned with the expectations of Level 2 facilities within the NSPS, this guide offers practical tools to support readiness, safe care, staff protection, and continuity of operations during special pathogen events.

Request the Guide
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

EMS and Hospital Coordination for Special Pathogens Transport 

March 3, 2026

Takeaways from an episode of Transmission Interrupted with experts discussing EMS–hospital coordination, preparedness, and communication for safe HCID patient transport.

Photo of a Deer Mouse.

Hantavirus: Clinical Insights, Emerging Evidence, and What Every Healthcare Worker Should Know  

February 23, 2026

Key takeaways from a Transmission Interrupted podcast episode on hantavirus: exposure risks, diagnosis, and clinical red flags every provider should know.

Global Perspectives on Pediatric & Perinatal HCID Care: Lessons From U.S. and U.K. Leaders in Preparedness

February 17, 2026

U.S. and U.K. leaders who joined NETEC’s Global Rounds on share real-world lessons, simulation findings, and strategies that strengthen readiness for some of the rarest — yet highest-risk — scenarios in infectious disease care.