What would be the best route to gaining MCTS SQL 2005

I currently have a lot of experience in creating and maintaining Microsoft
Access Databases, including the use of SQL statements and some Visual Basic.
I would like to get into a career in database development / administration
but realise that Access databases are pretty useless and I need to gain
skills and experience in SQL etc. as these are the requirements for such
roles.

I have been looking at the "MCTS: SQL 2005" certification and then following
on from this would be the "MCITP: Database Developer certification".

However, looking at these courses it seems that they are aimed at
professionals who already have vast experience in the required technologies.
As I have little or no experience in many of these technologies then where
should I start with regards to gaining these skills / experience? Would the
"MCTS: SQL 2005" be a viable option or is there something else you would
recommend I studied first?

Any help or advice people could give me will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Anton