". . . informed me that to get into the field, getting a CCNA would put me far ahead of the competition."
Yes and no. All else being equal, having a CCNA vs. someone that doesn't should give you the edge. However, you having the CCNA without any experience, vs. someone without a CCNA but lots of Cisco experience, they may have the edge over you. Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying having a CCNA is worthless, far from it, but breaking into the field is tough. Why? Well, ideally, generally, employers like to hire those that can immediately perform the job they are trying to fill. A certificate, alone, doesn't show an employer you have a demonstrated history of being able do the job, just you might be able to do the job.
"So my question here is, what do you think i can do in order to get a firm grasp of network routing and switching (with no knowledge whatsoever), . . ."
Like your friend, going to school for training is one way to learn networking. It's the tried-and-true method of learning almost anything, but it requires time and can be expensive. (Also, if the school has a good reputation for the quality of its graduates, that can help breaking into the field.)
There are many alternative ways to learn networking, at your own pace, and much less expensively. The problem with those is what's your "stamp of quality" when you believe you're done? This is where obtaining a CCNA could be very helpful.
There also many on-line structured courses. Cisco offers much via its Networking Academy.
I would suggest trying some free on-line courses, if for no other reason, to further determine if the subject material is both interesting and understandable. Most like to be well paid, but ideally, you don't want to hate your well paid job too.
