IT Career Questions - CAN, MB

So I am looking to switch career paths. I am currently applying to medical school in Manitoba, but if I don’t get in I want to find something else.

I was wondering that the best pathway into an IT career was? I have some friends who are suggesting I take the diploma course at RRC (this option has coops). Some suggest just finding a job at an IT help desk and getting certificates from there.

I don’t even know what type of certificate I should get for IT Systems.

Any advice would be very much appreciated!