Hi Jason
I found the Astronomy 161 and 162 podcast series extremely valuable as a learning tool. It starts at the basics, but goes into some detail and covers a fairly broad range of topics.
http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast161/
http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/
Astronomy Cast is also a good podcast for learning more:
http://www.astronomycast.com/
Heaps of info in the archives.
For other qualifications, there are courses at Swinburne and other online universities that may be what you're looking for? I think a few members here are currently doing astronomy courses.
Good luck and
to IceInSpace!