The National Association of Psychiatric Technology (NAPT), a non-profit organization, is the outgrowth of local and state organizations of psychiatric attendants, aides, and technicians who had banded together to improve their knowledge and skills and to demonstrate their competence to assume greater responsibilities in the care and treatment of the patients in the state hospitals for the mentally ill. NAPT's objective is to foster the advancement of the middle-level professional in mental health through the development of open-ended career ladders and educational programs. Convention-institute presentations include: "The Effect of Cutbacks on Mental Health Programs" by Alan Short, "The Job Role of the Mental Health Technician" by Harold L. McPheeters, "The New Era in Medicine" by Earle M. Marsh, "Mental Health Training in Junior Colleges" by Walter R. Kersey, "The Purdue Program for Mental Health Workers" by John E. True, "Psychiatric Technology and Mental Health Manpower Problems" by Willis H. Bower, "The Mental Health Technician: Maryland's Design for a New Health Career" by Robert M. Vidaver, "The New Careers Program" by Jacob R. Fishman, and "Community Mental Health Manpower Needs" by Sylvia Marshall. (JK)