I've heard it said in various IT subreddits that this is very possible. However, many of the people who've responded to me in the past have been young men. I'm not sure how much different the standards are for 31 year old women.

I currently work in a medical call center and have a long history of customer service behind me, as well as excellent written skills, but no degree. My goal for the past two years has been to break into entry level IT helpdesk, as it's been recommended to me by several of my current and former peers and I'm deeply interested in a career that centers around problem-solving. I have the Mike Meyers A book for the 1001 and 1002. However, having read it cover to cover almost three times, I feel like I only absorb some of the information on each reading, and often doubt my grasp on what I've picked up. I know much more now than I did in the beginning, but I'm really eager to begin actually working in a help desk setting--I think it'll make absorbing what I have left to learn so much faster and easier, as I really learn best on my feet.

I live in the Kansas City metro area and would like to try and find something here. I've noted on my resume that I'm currently in the process of studying for the A certifications, but have heard nothing back as of yet.

Can anyone recommend any tips for going about this in a more meaningful way? Suggestions for certain companies (or types of companies) to target as well as things to include or note in the application process would be incredibly helpful.