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.

About NETEC

What We Offer

health care workers in personal protective equipment receiving training

Educational Materials, Courses & 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

Consultations & Support Services

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

Research Policies & Procedures

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

Ask Our Experts

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.

New Podcast

From Plans to Practice: Exercising for Special Pathogen Readiness

In the latest episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan talks with Darrell Ruby and Jackson Gruber about NETEC’s updated exercise templates and how facilities can use them to put preparedness into practice.

Listen

Upcoming Webinar

From Evidence to Action: Respiratory Protection for VHFs

Join NETEC on September 29 from 12–1 p.m. ET for From Evidence to Action: Respiratory Protection for VHFs, a practical discussion of the evidence behind respiratory protection and how healthcare facilities can translate it into PPE protocols and preparedness workflows.

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.

Learn more about NSPS

Recent News

All News

Healthcare workers in PPE walking a gurney down a hospital hallway

Start Small, Build Readiness: Putting Special Pathogen Plans to the Test

September 16, 2026

Learn how healthcare facilities can use a progressive approach to exercising for special pathogen preparedness and build capability over time.

Preparing Before the Outbreak: Key Takeaways on Ebola Vaccines and the Future of Special Pathogen Preparedness

September 3, 2026

In a recent episode of NETEC’s Transmission Interrupted podcast, host Jill Morgan spoke with Dr. Tom Geisbert from the University of Texas Medical Branch about Ebola vaccine development. Here are five key takeaways from the episode.

PRESS RELEASE: NETEC Announces Second Round of NSPS Level 2 STAND Award Recipients to Strengthen Special Pathogen Preparedness Nationwide

September 1, 2026

NETEC has selected 21 additional U.S. health care facilities to receive NSPS Level 2 STAND Awards, bringing the total number of award recipients to 75 nationwide and expanding special pathogen preparedness and treatment capabilities across the country.