I have been doing some research on the SCP(Security Certified Program). It's showing some promise. I will be attending the courses for the SCNP (Security Certified Network Professional). I am pretty new to the Security scene, but I recently got a position as the Network Security Admin so I have a bit of a leg up. I got it with hard work and showing interest. I worked with the Security Team on a few projects, and it worked out. Try researching internships possibly, or just get your foot in the door somewhere and hang around the Security professionals if you can. Sometimes it's who you know and how well you put yourself out there. A degree would be good. The SCP is a vendor-neutral program that will help develop skills on various operating systems. It seems pretty solid. If you want the link, it's below:

http://www.securitycertified.net

Good luck!