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.

NSPS Network News

RESPTCs Power New National Preparedness Network

A new national network is strengthening emergency preparedness across the U.S. Led by Project ECHO, this initiative connects experts to share knowledge, improve coordination, and build stronger response systems. Ten Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs) joined the program—leveraging their expertise and infrastructure to support readiness nationwide.

Learn More
New Podcast

Beyond the Surface: Safety Through Effective Terminal Cleaning

In the newest episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan (Emory University Hospital) is joined by infection prevention experts Cassie Prather (Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital) and Erika Kurili (Corewell Health) to discuss the critical role of terminal cleaning in healthcare safety.

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

How Hospitals Use Terminal Cleaning to Safely Reopen Patient Rooms 

March 23, 2026

After a patient with a serious infectious disease leaves, how is the room made safe again? Discover the science behind terminal cleaning, common misconceptions, and expert insights on infection prevention.

From Ebola to NSPS: A Decade of Building the National Special Pathogen System

March 9, 2026

On Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan, RN, sits down with NETEC co-principal investigators Dr. Aneesh Mehta, Dr. Vikram Mukherjee, and Dr. John Lowe to discuss a decade of special pathogen preparedness and the future of infectious disease readiness.

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.