You could use data validation to force them to type it in properly. If they type 9:00AM (without the space) they'll get an annoying little message and will soon learn to do it properly.
I would suggest using "military time" and negate the need to add AM/PM to the end of it, but I know some people don't like that.
Failing either of those you'll probably have to do some hand holding by over complicating your formulas to account for it.
Attach a sample workbook and we can try and provide a workable solution to that, and the second part about adding the minutes to a specific column.
BSB
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