There are 3 ways to patch your tire, plug, patch, and a combo plug patch, the plug patch is what most shops use and is the most effective way of patching a tire, but if the puncture is within an inch of the sidewall most shops will not patch the tire...
Patching a tire is fairly simple with the right tools, but seeing as how you would never unseat the bead without the right equipment, then your only option is to plug it yourself, or take it to a GOOD shop and have them use a plug patch...
Plugging is simple, just read the directions on the back of the little pack
